Merna "Pat" Custer Obituary (1926

Merna "Pat" Custer, 97, of Randalia, Iowa, died Friday, September 29, 2023, at her home. Memorial Service: 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Randalia United Methodist Church in Randalia with Pastor Julie Ahrens officiating. Visitation: 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the church. Inurnment: At a later date in Dunham Grove Cemetery, Randalia. Memorials may be directed in her name to the Randalia United Methodist Church or West Central Community School. The Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard, Iowa is assisting the family. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com Merna Patricia Turner was born July 3, 1926, in Albia, Iowa, the daughter of Leo Francis and Elizabeth Delsey (Burtchby) Turner. In 1944, she graduated from Albia High School. Pat received her teaching certificate from Ottumwa Heights and later received her B.A. Degree from Parson College. On August 21, 1949, she was united in marriage to Charles Wilbur Custer at Ottumwa, Iowa. Over the years, Pat taught at Crawfordsville, Vinton, Ottumwa, Sumner and Maynard. She retired from West Central School in Maynard after 25 years as a third-grade teacher. Pat served many roles in her community. She was a member of the Randalia United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Retired Teachers Group. Pat enjoyed puzzles, watching the Cubs, a glass of wine, camping, traveling, especially to the casino, visitors, Turner Family Reunions, and her grandchildren. Pat is survived by her son: Mark (Kandi) Custer of Sioux City; daughter: Marcia Custer (Steve Schalwig) of Elko, Minnesota; 3 grandchildren: Megan Hernandez of Montgomery, Minnesota, Alissa (Michael) Furry of St. Charles and Nicholas Hernandez of Shelby Charter Township, Michigan; adopted children: Arlene and Fred Klatt of Fayette; and her Yorkshire Terrier: Dutchess. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband Chuck on March 26, 2014.