merll’s: a waukee tradition

Merll Tovrea was born in 1916 in the now-forgotten mining town of Olmitz, nestled in Lucas County, Iowa. The eldest of seven siblings, Merll began working in the local mines at the tender age of 15 to help support his family. His early years were marked by the rugged resilience and tenacity of a young man determined to provide for his loved ones.

In 1936, Merll's life took a joyous turn when he married the love of his life, Irene Cox. The couple's happiness was soon tempered by the onset of World War II, during which Merll served in the U.S. Navy, stationed on ships in the South Pacific. Despite the distance, Merll and Irene kept their bond strong through heartfelt letters, dreaming of the day they would reunite and build a life together with their young daughter Marilyn.

After the war ended in 1945, Merll returned to Iowa, and he and Irene settled in the small mining town of Waukee, which then boasted a population of 465. The couple, now a family of four with the addition of their son Tom, embarked on a new venture by opening Tovrea's Station and Cafe on U.S. Highway 6, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Their establishment quickly became a beloved local spot, renowned for its delicious comfort food and the Tovrea’s warm, friendly service. Merll's dedication extended beyond the kitchen, as he took quick breaks from the café to personally pump gas for customers.

Even in retirement, Merll and Irene's hospitality never waned. Each afternoon, they welcomed their grandsons—Travis, Zeth, and Zach—as a quick stop on their way home from school. While Merll and Irene enjoyed cocktail hour, the boys were treated to a pop and a handful of maraschino cherries, creating cherished memories.

Today, Merll's Pub & Patio stands as a tribute to this dedicated, hardworking, and patriotic family man. Merll's grandson Travis has continued the family tradition of hospitality, inviting patrons to relax and enjoy their time at the pub, located just two hundred feet west of the original Station and Cafe on what is now known as Hickman Road. Here, the legacy of Merll Tovrea lives on, celebrated in every friendly greeting, drink poured, and shared meal.