Darla Jean (Ver Ploeg) Merwald, 65
Darla Jean (Ver Ploeg) Merwald, 65 of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 surrounded by Ed, Mike, and Missy at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Darla had a difficult battle with Lewy Body Dementia and is finally at peace. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 26, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi ~ St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement to support Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund – Lewy Body Research or the Iowa 4-H Foundation designated to the Iowa State 4-H Horse Program. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
Darla was born on March 17, 1956 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Chadwick & Irene (Elscott) Ver Ploeg. She grew up on the family farm near Sully, Iowa with 3 siblings. Darla & Ed Merwald found each other in Marshalltown and married in 1985. Mike was born in 1986 and Missy was born in 1988 and are Darla & Ed’s pride and joy. Darla spent her days riding, showing, and judging horses while also supporting the Iowa State 4-H Horse Program. Most importantly, she always took care of her family above all things even through her passing. Darla has been described as a spitfire, feisty, caring, loving, a horse show mom, spirited, and always on the go!
Darla is survived by her husband, Ed of 36 years, her children; Mike (Lindsay) Merwald of Leawood, Kansas, Missy (Dusty) Grothoff of Ankeny, Iowa, her grandson, Myles Merwald, her siblings; Doyle (Karna) Ver Ploeg, Diane (Steve) Vos, Duane (Myrna) Ver Ploeg. Darla is predeceased by her parents Chadwick & Irene Ver Ploeg and Ed’s parents, William & Delores Merwald, and a brother in infancy.
Darla will forever be loved and forever be remembered.