Merle Mangold of Manchester

Merle Mangold, 88, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Regional Medical Center in Manchester. He was born on January 31, 1937 in Independence, Iowa, the son of Ernest and Hazel (Joslyn) Mangold. Merle served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1960.

On July 30, 1961, Merle married Mary Carradus at Silver Creek Methodist Church. Three children were born to this union. Merle was a “Jack of all trades” working in plumbing, heating, electric and worked at Exide until his retirement. He was a volunteer firefighter for 23 years for the Manchester Fire Department. In his free time, he loved spending time outdoors deer and pheasant hunting and fishing. He was an awesome woodworker and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mary; children Luanne (Bob) Becker of Manchester, Tim Mangold of Manchester, and David (Callie) Mangold of Manchester; four grandchildren Nick Becker, Liz (Jake) Gearhart, Chelsie (Tyler) Ries and Hannah (Derek Besick) Mangold; two great-grandchildren Malcom Becker and Cord Gearhart; brother Bruce (Mary) Mangold of Manchester; and sister-in-law’s Sue Mangold of Vinton and Judy Short of Manchester.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Duane Mangold and Don (Carole) Mangold.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Funeral Service with Military Rites and Fireman’s Last Call: 11:00, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Methodist Church in Manchester, Iowa.

Visitation: 9:00-11:00, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Methodist Church in Manchester, Iowa.

Inurnment: At a later date.