Merlene M. Zerfing, 71, of Sioux City, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013 at a local hospital. Services will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Church of Christ in Oto, Iowa, with Rev. Karen Handke officiating. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4-8 with Family Present from 6-8 at Waterbury Funeral Service. Burial will be in Oto Cemetery following the service.

Merlene was born on October 31, 1941 in Oto, the daughter of Merlin and Betty (Mason) Zerfing. She attended school in Oto. Merlene married Larry Jackson on March 26, 1958, and were married for 28 years. Together they farmed in the Oto area and moved to Sioux City in the early 1970's. She was a member of Crescent Park United Methodist Church. 13 years ago, she reunited with her high school friend, Gene Tolsledt and he has been a significant part of her life since that time.

Survivors include her friend Gene Tolstedt of Battle Creek, sons Brad (Tori) Jackson of Sioux City, Rickey (Karen) Jackson of Hornick, and Kevin (Janet) Jackson of Sioux City, daughter Cindy (Ted) O'Brien of Sioux Center, sisters Sharon Collins of Sioux City, and Nancy (Larry) Wallace of Louisiana, MO, seventeen grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren.

Merlene was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Benton Jackson.