Gale Merrill

Hastings resident, Gale K. Merrill, 85, of Perkins Pavilion, died Monday, October 27, 2008.

Memorial service will be Thursday, October 30, 2008; 11:00 A.M. at Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd with Rev. Steven Peeler officiating. Inurnment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska at a later date. Memorials may be given to Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 7:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Gale was born July 29, 1923 in Nora, Nebraska to Leroy Gordon & Lettie Florence (Coles) Merrill. He attended rural elementary school and graduated from Bruning High School, Bruning, Nebraska. He served in the United States Army with the 28th Infantry division in Europe during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement during active ground combat. On November 26, 1947, he married Merces Nelsen in Soldier, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed on July 9, 1948 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska. He attended business college in Omaha and worked in sales and administration positions. He was a member of Fairbury Masonic Lodge and a member of Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd in Hastings.

Gale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Merces; parents; brothers, Loris Merrill and wife, Louise, Marvin Merrill, Orvin Merrill and a sister, Maxine and husband Emil Houseman.

Survivors include:
Daughters & Son-in-law: Patricia & Darrell Jensen - Glendale, AZ
Jacqueline Brandt - Delray Beach, FL
Grandchildren: 4
Great Grandchildren: 12
Also surviving , Mary & Scott Pohl, Heather and Josh - Omaha, NE.
Sisters-in-law: Lois Merrill - MN
Peg Merrill - Omaha, NE
Nieces & Nephews