Merlin John Halma

Inwood, IA: Merlin Halma, 75, of Inwood, Iowa, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center in Canton, South Dakota. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, December 31, at First Reformed Church of Inwood with Rick Rozeboom officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-X6pfGKanHtikofRnNX2Gg. Interment will follow at Richland Cemetery of Inwood. Visitation with the family present will be held Tuesday, December 30, from 5:00-7:00 PM at First Reformed Church.

   Merlin John Halma was born January 29, 1950, to John and Ella Mae (Kuyper) Halma. He grew up on a farm northeast of Inwood, Iowa. He attended grade school in Inwood and graduated from West Lyon High School in 1968. He served in the South Dakota Air National Guard from 1968 to 1974.

   On January 16, 1971, he married Kathleen Havelaar. Together they bought his uncle’s farm northeast of Inwood, where they raised their family. He was a farmer for the entirety of his life. Raising cattle and hogs, and crop farming were his passion. His favorite annual event, after harvest of course, was his fishing trip to Bow Narrows Camp in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Wild.

   Merlin is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Kathy; son, Lance (Kelley) Halma of Rock Valley, Iowa; son, Loren (Mindy) of Inwood; three beloved grandchildren, Patrick, Bailee, and Elizabeth; brother, Bruce (Kathy) Halma of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; nephew, Ryley (Chrissy) (and great-nephews Landon and Sam); niece, Kelly; nephew, Logan; and step-mother-in-law, Gertrude Havelaar.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Harry and Hilda Halma, and Walter and Etta Kuyper; infant sister, Suzanne Halma; brother, David Halma; parents-in-law, Cornelis and Bertha Havelaar; and sister-in-law, Julie Byre.