William "Merle" Cochran

William “Merle” Cochran age 73 of Waterloo, IA died Sunday, May 18, 2025, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

Funeral will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Jerico Lutheran Church in rural New Hampton with Pastor Sean Scheele and Pastor Peter Faugstad presiding. Interment will follow at Jerico Lutheran Church Cemetery with Jason Wendel, Ryan Wendel, Jarrett Haskovec, Nolan Haskovec, James MacDiarmid, Rich Bywater, Jordan Roths, and Jeremy Haskovec serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton have been entrusted with arrangements.

William Merle Cochran of Waterloo, Iowa was born on April 25, 1952, in New Hampton, Iowa, to Oliver and Hazel (Roberson) Cochran.  Merle was a spirited soul with a quick wit and a competitive streak, who lived a full and deeply human life — one marked by humor, faith, family, and the occasional flying golf club.

Merle graduated from New Hampton High School, class of 1970. He wrestled at Bethany College and eventually completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Northern Iowa — launching a nearly 30-year career as a cost accountant with Viking Pump. His love of numbers and eye for detail served him well, both in his career and in card games with family and friends.

In 1975, Merle met Pam Roths. They were married on August 21, 1976, at St. Mary’s Church in New Hampton and spent the next five decades building a life together — filled with love, raising their three children — Stacy, Shayne and Lyndsey.

Merle was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. He believed in God and was a lifelong Lutheran, serving as church treasurer for many years.

A man of many passions, Merle had a zest for life and a sharp competitive edge. He loved sports — from wrestling and golf to tennis and volleyball — and he never missed the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament. He was a loyal (if at times critical) Hawkeyes fan, passionately calling them the “Choke Eyes” when things went south!

Merle was also a card shark and euchre enthusiast, known for his bold plays and the signature thump of his hand on the table — especially when a risk didn’t quite pay off. Board games were never played just for fun in Merle’s house; he came to win.

He loved boating, deer hunting, and most of all, taking pride in his lawn.  He served his community through his HOA board and shared his analytical gifts in all areas of life — including the occasional visit to the dog track or casino, where he tested both his math skills and his luck.

Merle found joy in traveling with Pam, especially to Florida during the winters, and in spending time with his beloved pup, Chansey. That little guy was his constant companion, offering comfort, company, and unconditional love through all of life’s ups and downs.

Merle was a man of strong convictions and even stronger personality. He loved deeply, joked freely, and lived on his own terms. He wasn’t perfect — and wouldn’t have wanted to be remembered that way — but he was real, and he was loved.

Merle is survived by his wife Pam Cochran of Waterloo; son Shayne Cochran of Waterloo; daughters Stacy (James MacDiarmid) Cochran of Seattle and Lyndsey (Rich) Cochran Bywater of Des Moines; brother Lee (Tammy) Cochran of Newton; sisters Sharon (Joe) Haskovec of Goodyear, AZ and Annette Parker of Park Ridge, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Hazel (Roberson) Cochran; and sister Connie Wendel.

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