Merrill Lavon Olander, the son of Carl M. and Myrtle D. Swanson Olander was born May 4, 1932 on a farm north of Stanton, Iowa. He passed away Monday, August 23, 2010 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 19 days.

During Merrill's youth, he lived on farms in the Stanton, Wales and Elliott communities. He graduated from Elliott High School in l949. Merrill entered the U.S. Navy January 4, 1952, serving during the Korean War and was honorably discharged December 22, 1955. After his Navy service, he farmed with his father. Merrill was united in marriage to Sharon K. Downey on March 1, 1959 in Red Oak, Iowa. Merrill then farmed with Sharon's father near Pilot Grove until they purchased their own farm. Merrill and Sharon have made their home on the same farm since l959. He was a great collector of farm toys and would attend many toy shows; he also enjoyed fishing. Merrill was a township trustee for Pilot Grove Township and served as the clerk for over 25 years. He was a past member of the Atlantic Elks Lodge.

Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Phyllis Wichman; father and mother-in-law: Lisle and Dorothy Downey.

Merrill is survived by his wife, Sharon Olander of rural Elliott, IA; sons: Jon Olander and wife Ruth of Lake Villa, IL; and Greg Olander and wife Mary Beth of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren: Ellie, Marie, Laura, David, Jenna and Jessica; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Graveside service will be Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, IA
Rev. Terry McClain, Officiating

Visitation with the family present at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials requested in lieu of flowers to the Elliott Fire Department

Services entrusted to Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home.