Merle Brown

Hastings resident, Merle D. Brown, 71, was called to heaven on March 21, 2008.

Services will be Wednesday, March 26, 2008; 1:30 P.M. at Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Carl H. Rehwaldt & Rev. Paul Dunbar officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Monday, March 24, 2008; 5PM-9PM, Tuesday, March 25, 2008; 9AM-9PM, Wednesday, March 26, 2008; 9AM-Noon at the funeral home and Wednesday, March 26, 2008; 1 hr. prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church.

Merle was born April 13, 1936 in Pauline, Nebraska to John LaVerne & Sarah (Anderson) Brown. He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1953 and attended Hastings College and Citrus College in Glendora, California. He married Marlyce Krueger on August 26, 1956. Merle was employed with Weyerhauser Corporation from 1955-1967 in Hastings and La Puente, California, serving as Regional Accounting Manager for the plants on the West Coast while in California. He served as Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Administrator at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital from 1967-1990. After he retired from Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital, he became a Consultant with Gateway Realty Better Homes and Gardens. Merle was a member and President of Healthcare Financial Management Association of Nebraska, member and President of Hastings Sertoma Club, member and officer of Faith Lutheran Church, and served on the Red Cross Board and Salvation Army Board for many years. Merle loved spending time going to Hastings College Basketball games, watching the Huskers play football and basketball, hunting, fishing, and spending time in his yard.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Cheryl Brown-Wheeler.

Survivors include:
Beloved wife of 51 years: Marlyce Brown - Hastings, NE
Son & Daughter-in-law: Bruce & Diane Brown - Omaha, NE
Daughter & Son-in-law: Lisa & Mike Peard - Aurora, NE
Grandchildren: Josh Bestol, Sara Bestol, Brittnee Brown, Heather Stroh, Blake Brown, Melissa Bestol, Andy Stroh,
Shayla Peard
Great Grandson: Ayden Scott
Brother & Sister-in-law: LaMoine & Donna Brown - Montrose, CO
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.