Merrill Tronson

Memorials may be made to Glenwood Community Church, Glenwood, Iowa 51534.

INTERMENT: Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa

Merrill Dean Tronson, 62, of Glenwood, Iowa, formerly of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Chester South Dakota, entered peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by his family at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska on February 14, 2010.

He was born on December 30, 1947 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Clarence & Leona Adeline (Musch) Tronson. Merrill graduated from Lennox High School in South Dakota. He received his B.A. in Music Education from Sioux Falls College, M.S. in Education with emphasis in Guidance Counseling from N.W.M.S.U. and an M.S. in Education with emphasis in Special Education from U.N.I.

Merrill was united in marriage to Elizabeth Anne Babcock on August 8, 1968 in Watertown, South Dakota. To this union they were blessed with three children, Shannon, Joylynne and Jonathan.

Merrill was actively involved in numerous capacities throughout his career in education. He was a member of N.E.A, I.E.A.,C.B.E.A., which are all educational associations. His teaching positions included schools; Fremont Mills, Hillside Manor, Glenwood State Hospital School, Kirn, Longfellow and Washington. While at Longfellow he participated in the Leadership Team, Courtesy Committee, Red Cross, D.A.R.E and Red Ribbon, Student Council, Social Committee, T.A.T. Team, Parent Night activities, Partnership & Pride and was also involved in the School Climate Committee, Long-Range Facilities Committee and School Improvement Committee.

Merrill was always doing what was best for the youth and administered a Backpack Program for students who were in need of food to sustain them through the weekends. He also helped design the elementary guidance curriculum with four other guidance counselors. The Kanesville District Crisis Team partnered with Kiwanis, which Merrill helped facilitate. It comes as no surprise why Merrill was nominated as Teacher of the Year twice for all of his years of dedicated service.

Merrill was a devoted Christian and led by example to all with whom he associated. He taught numerous Sunday School classes, held many Bible studies and was the High School Youth Director. He was a member of the choir, Blackfoot Brothers Quartet and was a deacon at the First Baptist Church. Merrill was currently an Elder and served on the Praise Team for the Glenwood Community Church also known as the Evangelical Free Church. His faith sustained him throughout the difficult times in his life.

Merrill’s health problems developed in his early twenties and he underwent two kidney transplants, the second kidney was donated by his son, Shannon in 2004. In spite of his surgeries, he never let it get him down and he remained optimistic. Merrill enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved working in his vegetable garden, mowing the lawn, fixing cars, making popcorn, doing home improvement projects and in later years watching his favorite television shows, Gunsmoke and Touched By An Angel. Merrill also enjoyed singing, not only at church, but for weddings and funerals along with his wife, Betty. Merrill never met a stranger and loved to visit. He enjoyed going to his children and grandchildren’s activities. His family was especially important to him, including his cat, Prince.

Preceding Merrill in death were his parents, infant twin brother, parent-in-laws, John & Harriett Babcock. He is survived by his wife, Betty Tronson of Glenwood, IA; children, Shannon & wife Kary Tronson & sons, Dalton, Hunter, Gage, Maverick and Garrett Gibson of Gretna, NE; Joylynne Tronson & friend, Candace Phillips of Omaha, NE; Jonathan & wife Christi Tronson of Dallas, TX; siblings, Lorna & husband Albert Iken of Lennox, SD; Tammy & husband Mike Oltmanns of Lennox, SD; sister & brother-in-laws, Janet Young of Elkhorn, NE; Sandy & Rog Ellyson of Watertown, SD; Bev & Jeff Bartz of Coon Rapids, MN; Bob & Tammy Babcock of Aberdeen, SD; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation:Friday, February 19, 2010
6:00 PM
56646-240 th Street
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Saturday, February 20, 2010
11:00 AM
56646-240 th Street
Glenwood,, IA51534