Merle L. Hangartner

Merle L. Hangartner, 73, of Charles City, died Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Merle Hangartner will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Merle Lorraine Goddard Hangartner was born September 3, 1935, at Carrville, the daughter of George and Hazel (Hamm) Goddard. She graduated from high school in 1955. On April 12, 1969, she was united in marriage to John Hangartner at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Merle was employed at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City for about 15 years as the activities director. For over 43 years Merle was Charles City's Santa Clause. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors in Bassett. Her interests included bowling, crocheting, sewing, crafts, spending time with family and friends and also her work. Merle will truly be missed by many.

Living family members include her husband John Hangartner of Charles City; daughter, Krystal Hangartner of Charles City; son, Dan Christensen of Ligonier, Ind.; four grandchildren, DJ, Mandi, Kayleigh and Jason; great grandson, Dan Jr, III; seven step-children; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carol Martin; son, Jimmy Christensen; a grandson; and sister, Myrtle Reese.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.