Mervin Bommel

Mervin “Pa” Dean Bommel, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Waukee on December 14, surrounded by the family he loved with his whole heart. Pa lived in Waukee for 63 years, and during that time he quietly and consistently showed everyone what it meant to be a good man. He was the kind of husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend who made life better just by being in it.

Pa was born on December 6, 1937, to Lester and Lucille Bommel. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 4 years. After his service, Pa settled in Des Moines and built a long career with Northwest Bell, where his strong work ethic and reliability defined him for 27 years until he was offered early retirement in 1986.

Pa had many interests, but people were always his favorite. He loved bowling and spent many years in a league, but his greatest joy was showing up for his family. Pa never missed a chance to be in the stands—softball, basketball, baseball, soccer, football, wrestling—it didn’t matter where or when. If his kids or grandkids were playing, Pa was there, cheering them on with pride.

Fishing was Pa’s happy place. Some of his most cherished memories were made fishing at Lake of the Woods in Canada with his son-in-law and grandson, and at Sun Valley Lake, where he could spend hours doing what he loved most—quietly, patiently, and content.

Pa truly never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, help without being asked, and give without expecting anything in return. He had a gentle heart, an easy smile, and a presence that made people feel at home. If you needed something, Pa was there—no questions asked.

Pa shared 65 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Linda, and together they built a family grounded in love, kindness, and loyalty. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy Thompson (Rick) and Brenda Larson (Steve); his son, Brent Bommel; stepbrother Lyle Busse and his sisters, Shirley Stockwell and Pat Hunt. Pa was endlessly proud of his grandchildren James Patrick, Andrew Stroud, Ashley Villotti, Katelin Larson, Brittany Staver, Kyle Larson, and Ellaura Morgan, and his nine great-grandchildren, who brought him so much joy. He also formed lasting friendships with his neighbors, many of whom became family in their own right.

Pa was preceded in death by his father Lester, stepfather Bernard Busse, mother Lucille Busse, his brothers Donald, Gary, and Jimmy, stepbrother Louis, his sisters Beverly, Mary and Betty and his beloved grandson Jeffrey Patrick.

A Celebration of Life honoring Pa will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Waukee Community Center, 675 Walnut Street, Waukee, IA 50263. This will be an open house style celebration where all friends and family are welcome.  Lunch will be served.

Memorial contributions may be made to WesleyLife Hospice (www.wesleylife.org)

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of WesleyLife Hospice for the loving and dignified care they gave Pa in his final days.