GLADBROOK - Bryce L. Mercer, 24, of Des Moines, formerly of rural Gladbrook, died Friday, Oct. 17, near Iowa highways 14 and 96 north of Marshalltown, the victim of an apparent homicide.

He was born June 4, 1984, in Waterloo, son of Randy and Vivian Olive Mercer.

He graduated from Gladbrook-Reinbeck Schools in 2002 and continued his education at Wartburg College, Waverly, where he received a double major in finance and economics. He also was a member of the Wartburg football team for four years.

Following graduation, he took a job with Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, where he currently was employed.

Survived by: his parents, Randy and Vivian Mercer of Gladbrook; a sister, Justina (Derek) Brant of Albertville, Minn.; maternal grandmother, Pat Olive (Paul) Farris of West Des Moines; and paternal grandparents, Eugene and Joyce Mercer of Gladbrook.

Preceded in death by: maternal grandfather, Russell Olive.

Memorial services: 2 p.m. Friday at Gladbrook United Methodist Church, with private family burial in Maple Hill Cemetery, rural Gladbrook. Public visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Overton Funeral Home, Traer, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial fund: has been established at the Gladbrook, Tama and Marshalltown branches of F&M Bank.

Condolences may be left at www.overtonservice.com.