Willis Merritt, the son of Ira Curtis and Anna Christina (Anderson) Merritt, was born October 3, 1928 in Haddam, KS and died March 6, 2015 at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, NE at the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 3 days.

Willis was educated in Washington, KS then moved to Walnut, Iowa. He joined the U.S. Army June 16, 1952 and was honorably discharged from Active duty May 4, 1954. He returned home to Griswold, Iowa and started working for Meredith Hardware. Willis was united into marriage to Lucille (Lu) Mundorf on October 6, 1955. Willis managed Griswold Nitrogas Co. selling fertilizer and chemicals. In 1966 he became manager for the new American Cyanamid Fertilizer plant south of Griswold. Willis and Lu then purchased the plant from American Cyanamid and together operated the business as MerrGro Farm Supply until they sold the plant in 1978. He managed the Griswold Elevator; then was hired by Van Diest Supply Co. as Area Manager selling chemicals to dealers. He retired from Van Diest in 1983 after being top salesman the last 8 years employed. He couldn't stay away from being a salesman. He did part time sales with Direct Contact Ag, Inc from Chicago, IL and sold mufflers for Yellowjacket Co. in Griswold. After purchasing a cabin on the lake, he sold Econolift boat lifts for his friend Bill Robinson, who was formerly from Griswold.

Willis was a Lifetime member of VFW, American Legion, served on Griswold City Council, was charter member of NVRA which is now Griswold Country Club, was one of several people who started the golf course with selling the people shares of stock to build the golf course. Golf was his second love after family and friends. He also was an avid Cyclone Football and Basketball Fan. Enjoyed going to his grandchildren's sporting events and enjoyed having them and their friends at his home.

Preceding him in death was his son Willis Wade, his parents, brother Merlin Merritt and half-sister Doris Kaufman.

Willis was a very loving husband, father and Grandfather and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lu of Atlantic and by their daughter Shellie Steffen of Council Bluffs, IA (friend Mike Casey), daughter-in-law, Theresa from Kansas City, MO and their very special Grandsons, Steven Steffen (friend Erinn Brue), Dustin Steffen all of Omaha, NE and Matt Steffen and wife Jasmin, and their daughter Tiana in Germany. He is also survived by his daughter Catherine Hankemeier of Council Bluffs and Grandchildren Scott Jensen, Teresa Harris and Amanda Montykowski. Brothers Dean Merritt, Griswold, IA, Curtis Merritt (Nancy), Council Bluffs, IA, sisters, Wilma Selders, Griswold, IA and Frances Cupples of Fullerton, NE. Brother-in-law Larry (Linda) Mundorf, Griswold, IA, and Sister in-laws, Eloise Perdue of Manitowoc, WI, Mary Ann Kirchhoff of Griswold, IA, Fran Mundorf, Shawnee, OK, and Phyllis Mundorf of Griswold, IA. Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends also survive Willis.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold.  An open visitation will be held at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold on Wednesday. The family will be present from 6:30-8:30 PM on Wednesday evening.  Memorial may be given to the Bryan Heart Hospital in Lincoln, NE in honor of Dr. Robin Hibbard.  Interment will take place at a later date. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.