Merlyn Book

STERLING – Mr. Merlyn E. Book, 81, of rural Sterling died Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Avonlea of Dixon with family by his side. Merlyn was born November 4, 1933 in rural Sterling, the son of Oscar and Lottie (Detweiler) Book. He attended Jordan Grade School all eight years and graduated from Sterling High School in 1951. He was united in marriage to Joyce Dettman on February 22, 1953 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Falls. He was a lifetime farmer in Jordan Twp. He is a charter member of New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. He was a former member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and ushered for many years. He had served on the Jordan School Board for many years and served on the Whiteside Coop Board. He also served on the Farm Credit Board of Directors for 20 years and was a member of the Corn Growers Association, Soybean Association, and the American Dairy Association. He enjoyed antique tractor shows and collecting Precision Series toy tractors. He enjoyed attending all of his boys’ sports activities and those of his grandchildren. He and Joyce also traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; two sons, Dale (Bonnie) Book of Golden, CO, and Dean (Cindy) Book of Sterling; four grandchildren, Dustin (Laura) Book of Lombard, Seth (Erin) Book of Dixon, Laurette (Dave) Rutter and Lacy (Aaron) Bell both of Denver, CO; three great-grandchildren, two sister-in-laws, Zelma Book and Lyla Pope; and one brother-in-law, Lloyd (Irene) Dettman. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Nolan, Orrin, Leland Book; three sisters, Dorothy Ebersole and Miriam Krabill, and a sister Lois in early childhood; sisters-in-laws, Evelyn Book and Dorothy Book; and a brother-in-law, Daniel Pope. Funeral services will be 11 AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at the New Life Lutheran Church with Reverend Adam Roe pastor officiating. Burial will be at Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Monday evening at New Life Lutheran Church and also from 10-11 AM Tuesday prior to the funeral. A memorial has been established to New Life Lutheran Church and Hospice of the Rock River Valley. Arrangements are being handled by Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com