L. Merl Schmoe

Merl Schmoe 1923-2021 Merl Schmoe, age 97, died June 1st, 2021, at CreekSide Care Center, in Jerome, Idaho. Merl was born in Olney Springs, Colorado, October 13, 1923, to Geary and Tracie Schmoe. The family moved to Newberg Orgeon in 1930, where he grew up on the family farm. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and developed an early interest in electronics by building crystal radios. He met Marjorie Collins, the love of his life, while attending Newberg High School. They were married in 1942 at the Chehalem Center Church, near Newberg, Oregon. In July of 1943, Merl was drafted into the Army. He first served with Co “G”, 6th Armored Infantry Battalion, who landed at Anzio Beach as replacements. His unit was the first to liberate Rome. He spent several months after the war ended in occupied Germany attached to Co A, 14th Armored Infantry Battalion, coming home to his family at the end of 1945. As a WWII combat veteran he was later awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement or Service. After the war he worked as a radio and TV repairman. He studied electronics and passed the Federal Communications Commission exam to receive certification to work on commercial electronics. Merl owned his own repair businesses in McMinnville, Oregon and Hailey, Idaho. He later worked for Santa Fe Railroad and E. F. Johnson as an engineering technician. Merl could literally fix anything, from cars, watches and clocks, to complicated electronics and everything in between. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Merl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 71 years, Marjorie, two brothers, Russell and Ray Schmoe, and two grandchildren. He is survived by his six children; Jerry, Shirley Jones, Barbara Petty, Judy Swett and Sandy Wapinski. 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Those wishing to share memories and condolences on Merl's memorial page may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home.