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Merle W. O'Rourke

Merle W. O'Rourke

  • February 16, 2012
  • Dubuque, Iowa
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Behr's Funeral Home

1491 Main Street
PO Box 3009
Dubuque, IA 52004
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Tel. (563) 582-3297
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Memories & Candles

“Ginny, Sorry to hear of Merle's passing. He was a very nice man, and I will be forever greatful to him and the 40/8 for the nursing scholarship that...Read More » ”
1 of 7 | Posted by: Lisa Kamm Wang - Elkhorn, WI

“Our condolences to your family on your loss. Sincerely, Rick, Brittany, and Brissa Sanchez ”
2 of 7 | Posted by: Rick Sanchez Sr. - Ft.Morgan, CO

“Our condolences to your family on your loss. Sincerely, Rick, Brittany, and Brissa Sanchez ”
3 of 7 | Posted by: Rick Sanchez Jr. - Ft.Morgan, CO

“Grandpa~words can't express how much I loved/love you and how much I will miss you! You were always there for me. I have so many great memories of...Read More » ”
4 of 7 | Posted by: Kelly O'Rourke - Dubuque, IA

“So sorry for your loss........he was a great man and will forever be in our hearts!! Love Kim ”
5 of 7 | Posted by: Kim (Pregler) Boxleiter - Dubuque, IA

“My deepest sympathy to Virginia, Wendy and the other family memebers. Merle was a sweetheart! ”
6 of 7 | Posted by: Patricia Schrodt - Dubuque, IA

“I know how much you loved your Grandfather. Sorry for your loss. Sending hugs. ”
7 of 7 | Posted by: Jerry and Kathy Hogan


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Name: Merle W. O'Rourke, age 85

Address: 1850 Glendale Ct

Time, day and date of death: 2:30 a.m., Thursday, February 16, 2012

Place and cause of death: peacefully at home of natural causes

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Raphael's Cathedral

Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery

Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Raphael's Cathedral.

Merle was born on April 2, 1926, in Marquette, IA, son of Emmett and Marie R. (Sullivan) O'Rourke.

Merle served with the US Army during World War II and also was in the Merchant Marines in 1944. He married Virginia D. Knoebel on July 23, 1947 at St. Mary's Church in McGregor, IA. Merle was employed with the General Services Administration in the Post Office Building and was the building supervisor for many years before retiring in December 1989. He was a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral, St. Vincent DePaul, American Legion Post #6, Voiture 632 of the 40/8 where he served as Grand Chef de Gare du Iowa in 1992.

Merle is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia O'Rourke,
a daughter, Wendy O'Rourke,
a son, Terry (Carol) O'Rourke,
5 grandchildren, Chris (Amy) O'Rourke, Molly (Brian) Horch, Kelly (Rick Sanchez) O'Rourke, Kevin O'Rourke, Kerry (Jamie) Humke
10 great-grandchildren, Allison, Erica, Jeremy, Jade O'Rourke, Jacob, Adam, Joseph Horch, Sierra, Sofia and Miles Sanchez
a brother, Lane J. O'Rourke, all of Dubuque, IA

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Robert and Jack

A Merle O'Rourke memorial fund had been established.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Megan, Kelly, Amy and Chelsea for all their kindness, comfort and support to Merle and his family.