MERLE DENKER

Memorial services for Merle Denker, 90, of Wagner were Monday, September 21 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Merle E. Denker was born south of Wagner November 28, 1929, the son of Edward and Hazel (Dunsmore) Denker. He died Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner.

Merle graduated from Ravinia High School in 1947. He was united in marriage to Betty Horner on December 3, 1950 in Wagner. Merle served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955 as a Seabee during the Korean War. After returning from the war, Merle farmed with his dad and later farmed with his son Michael south of Wagner. He retired from farming in 1993 but continued to “help” on the farm for the next 20 years.

Merle will be remembered for his love of God, all of his family, and his farm. He loved going on Sunday afternoon drives with his family. He always made time to go on a vacation every year with his family. After retiring, he and Betty enjoyed traveling and spending time at the cabin at Svatos Bay. He also enjoyed rebuilding antique cars, square dancing, railroad maintenance carts, reading, playing Scrabble, and collecting antiques.

Merle was a member of the VFW, Legion, St. John Lutheran Church and he served his community on the Wagner Community School Board and the Wagner Community Hospital Board.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Betty of Wagner, three children: Barb Michael of Kimball, NE, Nancy Thompson of Wagner, Michael (Pamela) Denker of Wagner; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and one greatgreat grandchild; sister Janice Jiricek of Greely, CO; and brother Gary “Jake” (Judy) Denker of Custer.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and sister Delores Jacobs.