Nicholas "Nick" Mersch

Nicholas “Nick” Mersch, 99, of Eagle Grove, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Rotary Senior Living in Eagle Grove.  Visitation will be held at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove on Monday, July 27th from 4-7 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture service beginning at 4 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove with Father Jerry Blake, Celebrant, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove, IA.  Graveside Military Rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #304 and V.F.W. Post #642 both of Eagle Grove.  For online obituaries and condolences, please visit: www.foustfh.com

Nicholas Vincent Mersch son of John and Anna (Besch) Mersch was born on December 14, 1920 in West Bend, Iowa.  When Nick was in eighth grade, he moved with his family to Eagle Grove.   He graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1938.  During WWII, he honorably served for 6 years and 21 days with the United States Navy.   On February 10, 1948 Nick married Rita Marie Kearney at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  The couple resided in rural Eagle Grove.  Nick dedicated his whole life to farming and continued to farm until he retired at the age of 92.

Nick was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served on various church boards and committees. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1579. Nick was a former President of the Eagle Grove Cooperative Board.  He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame, golf, playing cards, square dancing, family trips to Okoboji, winter trips to San Antonio for golf and most of all, spending time with his family. 

Survivors include his children, Susan and husband Phil Ruch of Carroll, Gordy and wife LuAnn Mersch of Eagle Grove, Kevin Mersch of Des Moines, Brian Mersch of Ames, Colleen and husband Bob Bartlett of Eagle Grove, Denise and husband Tony Axtell of Eagle Grove;  16 grandchildren:  Brett McAlpine (Candace), Tara McAlpine Hoch (Mike), Kirt McAlpine (Julie), Scott Mersch, Sheri Mersch Pauley (Trent), Randy Mersch (Joice), Robyn Ruch Schroeder (Ryan), Matt Ruch, Kacey Mersch, Tim Axtell (Chelsey), Jonathan Bartlett (Kelsey),  Katherine Bartlett Baessler (Christopher), Oliver Mersch, Victoria Axtell Buldhaupt (Hans), Shelby Axtell, Madison Axtell; 17 great grandchildren: Jesse McAlpine, Joshua McAlpine, Claudia Schroeder, Margaret McAlpine, Trevor Schroeder, Katherine McAlpine, Lillian Schroeder, Elizabeth McAlpine, Josephine McAlpine, Myles Pauley, Abigail Mersch, Milana Mersch, Rheagan Axtell, Clara Pauley, Tracen Axtell, Amelia Buldhaupt and Wesson Axtell. One great-great grandson: James McAlpine and his brother, Johnny and wife Marcy Mersch of Fort Dodge.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Rita in 2002; daughter-in-law, Sharon Hixson-Mersch; brothers, Mathias, Leo, Mathias John, Paul, Francis, Eddie and Joe; and sisters, Caroline and Margaret. 

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nicholas "Nick" Mersch, please visit our floral store.