Melvin L. “Sheik” Slaymaker, age 76 of Marshalltown, formerly of Marengo, died Wednesday March 9, 2011 at the Iowa Veterans’ Home in Marshalltown. Funeral Services: 2:00 P.M. Sunday March 13, 2011, Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, with Rev. Jim Davis officiating. Visitation: Noon to 2 P.M., Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo.  Burial will be at Koszta Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Marengo American Legion Post #76. A memorial fund has been established. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is in charge of arrangements.

Melvin is survived by four children David Slaymaker of Koszta, Dale Slaymaker (Mindi), Denise Roberts (Nick) and Diane Maas (Rich) all of Marengo; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are two brothers Don Slaymaker (Lovell), and Marvin Slaymaker, both of Marengo. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild Alex Slaymaker, and two brothers Dean and Richard.

Melvin LeRoy Slaymaker was born on February 1, 1935 in Koszta, Iowa, the son of McCellan and Arlene Hartz Slaymaker. He received his elementary education in the Koszta Schoolhouse. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-54 and received his high school diploma while in the military. Sheik worked as a plumber and was employed by S&S Plumbing and Heating until he retired. Sheik was a lifetime member of the Belle Plaine American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, reading, rolle bolle, playing cards, and drinking with his friends. He had been residing at the Iowa Veterans’ Home in Marshalltown since 2004.