Merle G. Palmer

COLERIDGE — Merle G. Palmer, 94, Coleridge, formerly of Hartington, died Oct. 20, 2020, at The Embers Assisted Living Center, Coleridge.

Visitation was Oct. 22 at church, from 12:00 until service time. Funeral services were Oct. 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hartington, with Pastor Amanda Talley officiating.

Burial was in the Hartington City Cemetery.

Face masks and social distancing were recommended for the service.

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

Merle Glenn Palmer was born April 19, 1926, in Worthington, Minn., to Glen and Mildred (Johnson) Palmer. Merle moved to Hartington in 1932 at the age of six. He attended Hartington Public School and graduated in 1944. After high school, Merle worked for Farmer’s union for a year and a half. Merle married Betty Lou Johnson December 1945 in Hartington. After their marriage, they moved to Gayville, S.D., and ran the Hatchery there for four years. Merle and Betty Lou moved back to Hartington in 1947 and took over Merle’s father’s Hatchery, which they managed until 1967. In 1973, Merle purchased the laundromat in Hartington which he and Betty Lou operated until 1986.

Merle is survived by two children, Ann M. Pedersen, Sioux City, Iowa, and Richard (Leslie) Palmer, Blair; brother, Marlin (Marlene) Palmer, Tacoma, Wash.; sister, Shirlene Scott, Yankton, S.D.; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Betty Lou, Jan. 23, 2013, at the age of 86.