Mert Borsheim, 86, of Hiawatha, passed peacefully to Heaven on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. He had been hospitalized since Oct. 30, dealing with several issues.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie, in 2014.
Survivors include his son, Charles B. Borsheim; and daughter, Jone (David) Poppe of rural Central City. His youngest daughter Luann Slaymaker preceded him in death in 2008, leaving two grandsons, Elijah and Aaron Slaymaker.
Merton Bernell Borsheim was born in La Crosse, Wis., on April 16, 1935, to Gladys L Spilde Borsheim and Elmer Borsheim. When Mert was young, the family moved to Decorah, Iowa, where he grew up. Mert served in the U.S. Army from 1957-59. He was married to Susie Ann Cannon on March 11, 1961, in Decorah. The young couple farmed the family farm there until 1965 at which time they moved to the Cedar Rapids area. Mert worked at Iowa Manufacturing from that time until his retirement in 1997. The family moved to Hiawatha in 1971 and raised their family and developed lifelong relationships with many wonderful neighbors over the years. Mert was a member of First Assembly of God.
He is also survived by sisters, Mavis Frey, Elaine Slaymaker and Janice (Wayne) Englehardt; and brother, Ronald (Susie) Borsheim. His brothers, Verle and Elton preceded him in death. Elton’s widow Janet survives.
Mer and his dry humor will be missed by those who called him dad, papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at First Assembly of God Church, with burial to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.