HARTINGTON — Merle H. Loecker, 81, Hartington, died March 31, 2023, at Arbor Care Center, Hartington. Mass of Christian Burial was April 4 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with Archbishop George J. Lucas, Rev. Craig Loecker and Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Burial was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington, with military rites by the Hartington VFW Post #5283 and the Legion Riders. Pallbearers were Dan Loecker, Adam Loecker, Ben Loecker, Matthew Loecker, Emily Loecker and Forde Nesteby. Honorary pallbearers were Merle’s other grandchildren Regan Loecker, Kendra Loecker, Camryn Loecker, Allison Loecker, Rachel Nesteby, Micah Loecker and Lucy Loecker.

Visitation and a Vigil service were Monday at church, and continued Tuesday, one hour prior to services.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Merle Henry was born June 14, 1941, in Menominee, to Emil Peter and Vera Elizabeth (Albers) Loecker. He grew up in the Menominee area with nine siblings. Merle attended high school in Fordyce for two years before graduating from Crofton High School. Merle enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for three years in Germany. He married Sandra Schrempp Aug. 13, 1963, in Fordyce. Merle attended State Patrol School and served as a State Patrol officer from 1964-1971. He and Sandy lived in Valentine and South Sioux City during this time. In 1971, he and Sandy moved to a farm east of Hartington. Merle farmed and also worked for Gerry Miller Implement, Hartington, from 1971-2003. He started in the parts department and then moved to sales, selling John Deere equipment. In 2006, Merle began helping the Wintz Funeral Home and continued to assist for many years. He also worked part-time for the Cedar County Road Department grading roads.

Merle was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and held an hour of Perpetual Adoration. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the Hartington VFW Post #5283, participating on the color guard. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. He loved to play cards, especially Sheephead and Pinochle, coyote hunting, farming, and selling John Deere machinery.

Merle is survived by his wife, Sandy, Hartington; five children, Fr. Craig Loecker, Omaha; Keith (Michelle) Loecker, Hartington; Curt (Kristi) Loecker, Hartington; Chris (Melissa) Loecker, Omaha; Kathy (Steve) Smedra, Lincoln; son-in-law, Jeremy Wampol, Yankton, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; eight siblings, Dennis (Vivian) Loecker, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Allen Loecker, Mitchell, S.D.; Glen (Mary) Loecker, Fordyce; Don (Denise) Loecker, Lincoln; Marvin (Deb) Loecker, Olathe, Kan.; David (Sheila) Loecker, Fordyce; Gladys Jones, Nebraska City; Paulette (John) Dreesen, Yankton, S.D.; sister-in-law, Judith Ruhana, Evanston, Ill.; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Vera; daughters, Kristi Loecker and Karen Wampol; a brother, Larry; brother-in-law, Arnold Jones; and sister-in-law, Sheila Loecker.