Merle D. Pithan, 73 of Altoona, Iowa formally of Sioux City, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025, at a hospital in Omaha, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held 1:00pm Monday, September 15, 2025, at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave. Burial will follow the service in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00am until service time with family present from 10:00am until 11:00am at the funeral home. Per the family's request the service will be recorded.

Merle Dean Pithan lived his life with music in his heart and laughter on his lips. Born August 5, 1952, in Sioux City, Iowa, to George and Joann Pithan, Merle carried his love of people, storytelling, and song with him everywhere he went. On September 8, 2025, at the age of 73, Merle left this world surrounded by family, but his music and spirit will play on forever.

Merle picked up his first instrument at 11 years old, sparking a lifelong passion that took him to countless stages and into the lives of so many who loved his music. He was honored with inductions into the Iowa and Nebraska Rock and Roll Halls of Fame and later received Iowa's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. But to Merle, the real reward was sharing music with others and making people smile.

He was also a lifelong learner, returning to school in Reno, Nevada, to earn his paralegal degree. Whether in music, school, or everyday life, Merle pursued each chapter with determination and curiosity.

More than his accomplishments, Merle will be remembered for who he was: a Christian, a jokester, a storyteller, faithful to Bay 9er fan, and a man who loved life and people deeply. He put his family first and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and devotion.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Mae Pithan, his children, Staci Leigh (Mike Krayneski) and Justin Dean "Rudy" Pithan; his grandchildren, Thomas Dean Blakeley, Kamdyn Ryleigh Blakeley, Calvin Dean Pithan, and James Michael Pithan; and his brother, Joe Pithan (Carol) and many loving extended family members.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, George and Joann, and his sister, Becky Amick.

Those who knew Merle will never forget his humor, his stories, his music, and his unwavering love for his family. His song may have ended, but his melody will carry on in the hearts of all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for a memorial bench.