Merlin A. Benning

Merlin A. Benning, 76, of Oelwein, Iowa, died, Sunday, January 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial Service: 3:00 P.M. Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein with Pastor Phil Rownd officiating.
Visitation: 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.
Inurnment: At a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Merlin Albert Benning was born September 16, 1949, in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Albert Johannes and Tena Irene (Syhlman) Benning. He attended Ackley-Geneva Schools, where he graduated in 1969. On October 23, 1971, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Ann Marie Wilts at Ackley Christian Reformed Church in Ackley, Iowa. Together they were blessed with two children, Brent Michael and Stephanie Marie. He worked for Stockdales in Iowa Falls, Hanson Farms in Iowa Falls, FS in Hazleton, Rogers Ag in Aurora and retired from Grain Bin Supply. Merlin was quite a jokester and he loved a good laugh. He enjoyed golfing, hockey, bowling, NASCAR, baseball, football, fishing of all kinds, and going to stock car races. Merlin loved his dog Smokey and playing hand and foot with his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife: Ann Benning of Oelwein; son: Brent (Susan) Benning of Aurora; daughter: Stephanie Benning (David Throndson) of Oelwein; 5 grandchildren: Christopher (Kaylee) Benning, Ashley (Kyle) Beck, Danica Benning, Ben Maillie and Ayden Maillie; 7 great grandchildren: Michael, Wyatt, Kinsley, Carter, Kayson, Elizabeth and Amelia; brother: Darrell (Lori) Benning of Iowa Falls; brothers-in-law: John (Virginia) Wilts of Cedar Rapids and Robert Wilts of Ackley; bonus daughter: Bylinda Allwood of Maynard; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law: Abe and Verna Wilts; sister-in-law: Viola Wagner; and dog: Brittney.