Marlin Robert Schmeling, son of Otto and Norma (Rambath) Schmeling, was born November 19, 1940 near Cylinder, Iowa. He began his education in Emmetsburg and then attended country school southwest of Depew. In 1954 he went to Cylinder Community School, graduating in 1959.

On September 17, 1959, Marlin enlisted in the United States Navy serving as a boiler technician on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, stationed out of San Diego. He was honorably discharged on September 16, 1963, remaining in California where he was employed with a delivery service in the Los Angeles area.

In 1971, Marlin returned to Palo Alto County where he worked at the Cylinder Coop until his retirement.

On April 29, 1972 Marlin was united in marriage to Gretchen (Meyer) Meister at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

While living on their acreage, Marlin and Gretchen enjoyed planting and caring for their large flower and vegetable garden. Marlin also loved fishing in area lakes and rivers. He was also an avid Cubs fan.

Marlin passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gretchen; brother, Wayne Schmeling; sister and brother-in-law, Wilma and Tom Meyer; and an infant baby boy Meister.

He is survived by his children, Larry Meister of Richfield, Minnesota, Greg (Janet) Meister of North Liberty, Iowa and Kevin (Julie) Meister of Hillsboro, Missouri; four grandchildren, Joel, Kimberly, Aaron and Danielle; four great grandchildren; a brother, Willard (Glenyce) Schmeling of Emmetsburg, Iowa; sisters, Francis George of Marcus, Iowa and Linda Keepers of Emmetsburg, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Pat Schmeling of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Patricia Johnston of Omaha, Nebraska; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home