TJIEMA, Merlin R.

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 26, 2000, p. A16 Merlin R. Tjiema of Phoenix died Jan. 19, 2000 at the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He was 77. Mr. Tjiema was born June 10, 1922 in Battle Creek, Mich., and had lived in Arizona for 45 years. He was a long-time Arizona resident who was a machinist in the tool and dye manufacturing business for many years. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, serving in the Eastern Mandates Western Pacific Air Offensive in Japan. He received the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, W/3 Bronze Battle Stars, one overseas service bar, Air Medal 60 XXI BC 45, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and holding the rank of S. Sgt. while in the service. Merlin will be missed by all those who knew him. He will always be remembered for the love he held for all of his family and friends throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary E. in 1975, and he will be interred with her at a later date in the Wickenburg cemetery. A memorial service was held Monday, Jan 24 at 11 a.m. at the Westside Church of God in Phoenix, with Pastor Jerry Dickinson officiating. Wickenburg Funeral Home handled the arrangements.