Merlene Halbloom

Merlene O. Vickery Halbloom, 84, of Marshalltown passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Iowa River Hospice.  Merlene was born October 8, 1936, to Lacie and Benjamin Vickery in Marshalltown. In 1953, she was united in marriage to Milton Halbloom. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Laurel and the Central Iowa Art Association. She was a talented painter and embroiderer/sewer.  Merlene will be remembered for her strength in adversity, her memory in telling stories of the past, and her love of family. Merlene spent most of her life taking care of others and enjoyed her independence.  Left to cherish Merlene's memory are her three children: Marla Johnson of Marshalltown, Melinda Halbloom of Melbourne, and Marc (Andrea) Halbloom of State Center; nine grandchildren: Haley (Andy) Nichols of Melbourne, Valerie (Phil) Bajorat of Chicago, Eric Johnson of Florida, Jennette Johnson of LeMars, Ruby Perin (John Kulper) of Lisbon, Brad Halbloom of Melbourne, Connor Oelmann of Des Moines, Kelsiann Halbloom of Ames, and Alexander Halbloom of State Center; eight great grandchildren: Madelyn and Kaitlyn Kulper; Asher, Lily, and Greta Nichols; and Grace and Jillian Johnson; sister Delores Newman of Florida; brother Charlie Haskell of Dunbar; nieces Vanessa (Mark) Miller of Florida, Kristina Eisenhower (Peyton Gause) of Colorado, Jacquelyn Halbloom (Scott Murphy) of LaPorte City, and Lacie Haskell of Dunbar; nephew Christopher Haskell of Colorado; a great niece; and several great nephews.  In death Merlene joins her parents, her husband, her daughter Megan Oelmann, and her son Marlon Halbloom.  The family will hold a visitation on Tuesday, August 17 from 5-7 PM at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. For condolences please visit: www.mitchellfh.com.