Merlyn Paul Platte

Merlyn Paul Platte, 94, of Waterloo, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Wellspring Living Health Center at Friendship Village.

Merlyn was born on May 15, 1931, in Maxfield Township, to Fred and Johanna (Gaede) Platte. He married Doris Jean Satterlee in Waterloo on July 29, 1950; Merlyn and Jean recently celebrated 75 years of marriage.

Merlyn proudly served in the United States Army from 1952 until 1954. He worked at Rath Packing Co. for 10 years and began his true passion, farming in 1959. In 1960, Merlyn established Twin Rock Farms where he and Jean proudly farmed for decades. One of Merlyn’s greatest accomplishments was raising his sons on their family farm and leaving his land better than he found it.

From the age of 16 to 19, Merlyn served on the Cedar Falls Rural Fire Department. He was the Past President of Black Hawk County’s Cattlemen’s Association. For over 20 years, served as the stage manager for the Cedar Basin Jazz Festival where he served on the board of directors.

He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Dorothy Kay Platte.

Merlyn is survived by his wife, Jean Platte; sons, Rodney (Diane) Platte and Randy (Ginny) Platte, both of Waterloo; 4 grandchildren, Dustin (Jennifer) Platte, Angie (Curtis) Bovy, Jessica (Matt) Johnson, and Joshua (Jenna) Platte; and 9 great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering and burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.