Visitation with the family was from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, with a 7 p.m. Rosary.

Resseguie Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements.

Merle died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at Heritage at Fountain Point in Norfolk.

Merle was born to Frank and Mary (Frauendorfer) Brandl on Jan. 7, 1928, in a farmhouse in Cornlea, west of Humphrey, where he grew up and attended school.

Merle served during the Korean War in Fort Bliss, Texas, servicing military vehicles during his enlistment in the National Guard.

On Feb. 6, 1952, he married Geraldine Cerny, whom he had met at a dancehall in Humphrey. The couple made their home on a farm south of Madison, where they had four children, Marilyn, Linda, Karan and Richard.

Merle enjoyed traveling, visiting Spain, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and going on road trips with friends. You could often find Merle and Geraldine dancing away their Sunday afternoons.

He is survived by his children, Marilyn (Ken) Bonner, Linda Hall, Karan (Gary) Wolken, and Richard (Marita) Brandl; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and sisters, Darlene Becker of Norfolk and Norma Jane Werner of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; his parents; brothers, Lawrence, Ervin, and Victor; sisters, Viola Weiser and Leona Zuerlein; and greatgrandchild, Corbin Nahrstedt.