Merle Roger Witt, age 77, of Arcadia, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia with Pastor Andrew Noble officiating. Casket bearers will be Randy Stoelk, Tyler Stoelk, Brice Hundling, Jamie Wiederin, Andrew Dieter, and Colton Whitaker. Honorary casket bearers will be Caroline Dieter, Emma Dieter, Phoenix Davis, Maddox Davis, Grace Findlay, Caleb Whitaker, and Landon Renze. Burial will follow in the Arcadia Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Arcadia American Legion.
Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia on Thursday, May 1, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Additional visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 – 10:15 A.M. on Friday prior to the service.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Merle Roger Witt was born on March 7, 1948, in Carroll, Iowa, the son of George and Ruthanna (Schoessler) Witt. He grew up on the family farm north of Arcadia, where a love for the land and hard work was woven into his life from an early age. Merle graduated from Ar-We-Va High School in 1966.
On August 24, 1969, Merle married the love of his life, Diane Hopp, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clarinda, Iowa. Together, they built a life centered on farming, family, and faith – a partnership that spanned more than 55 years.
Merle attended Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1970. Following his graduation, he proudly served his country as a member of the Iowa National Guard Unit in Ida Grove, receiving an honorable discharge in 1976.
During his military service, Merle also remained connected to his agricultural roots, farming alongside his father as part of “Witt and Son Angus.” Together with Diane, he continued the family’s proud tradition of raising Angus cattle until the herd dispersal in the fall of 2024.
His passion for agriculture ran deep, and he worked tirelessly to advance the livestock industry. He served on the Carroll County Cattlemen Board for 10 years and spent 23 years with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association as the Membership Coordinator for western Iowa.
In addition to farming, Merle served on the Farmers Elevator Co. Board for 12 years. He was also a trusted farm insurance agent with Home Mutual Insurance of Manning for 46 years, where he served as Vice President and on the Board of Directors. Merle’s dedication and leadership were evident in every role he took on.
Faith was the foundation of Merle’s life. A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, he gave generously of his time and talents, serving on nearly every board over 52 years.
Merle had a heart for youth and the future of agriculture. He served as a 4-H leader for the Westside 4-H Club for 28 years, mentoring countless young people and inspiring leadership and responsibility. Beyond 4-H, Merle encouraged local youth to participate on the farm with baling hay and doing chores.
Family was at the center of Merle’s world. He found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. He cherished visiting with everyone, traveling with Diane, cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, and playing an active role in the Arcadia community as a member of the Arcadia Cemetery Board.
Merle is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Witt of Arcadia; his children: John Witt of Arcadia, Emily Witt (Jamie Wiederin) of Carroll, and Ann Whitaker (David) of Ames; his grandchildren: Caroline Dieter, Andrew Dieter, Emma Dieter, Colton Whitaker, Phoenix Davis, Caleb Whitaker, Maddox Davis, and Grace Findlay; his mother-in-law, Florence Hopp of Wisconsin; his sisters: Deon Rowedder (Dale) of Carroll and Gloria Bradshaw (Ron) of Norwalk; his sister-in-law: Kitty Witt of Michigan; three sisters-in-law: Sandy Hammerlind, Connie Souza (Bill), and Jennifer Koegel (Mark), all of Minnesota; his brother-in-law: Brad Hopp (Carol) of Wisconsin; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, George and Ruthanna Witt; his father-in-law, Edwin Hopp; and his brother, Gary Witt.
Merle’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, hard work, love, and service. His legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion lives on through his family and all who had the blessing to know him.
He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
