Merton “Mert” Marshall
Wayne — Merton “Mert” Marshall, 83, Wayne, died Oct. 7, 2019.
Christian services were held Oct. 12 at Evangelical Free Church, Concord, with Rev. Todd Thelen officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were Mert’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Active pallbearers were Russell Marshall, Timothy Heaton, James Bierbower, Marti Calhoon, Dwaine Junck and Jason Flowers.
Interment was in the Coleridge City Cemetery.
Visitation was Oct. 11 at Hasemann Funeral Home, Wayne,
Merton Charles Marshall was born March 17, 1936, in Norfolk, to Charles and Evelyn (Viergutz) Marshall. Merton grew up in the Sholes and Coleridge areas and graduated from Coleridge High School in 1953. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in May 1958. Upon returning home from basic training, Merton married the love of his life, Alice Swan May 22, 1959, in Coleridge. The couple got acquainted and fell in love while working together at the Farmer’s Union Store, Coleridge. Over the years, they made their home in Hartington, Randolph and Wayne, and after Mert’s retirement, spent a lot of time on their farm place outside of Coleridge.
Merton was well known for being an excellent auto mechanic, and owner of Mert’s Econ-O-Way in Wayne before starting his career with the City of Wayne. He enjoyed his work with the City of Wayne, first at the Street Dept., then as the head of Water Dept., and Waste Water Treatment Plant until his retirement in 1997.
Merton especially loved spending time with his seven children, 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He loved working and being outdoors. He anxiously awaited deer season and the trips to Lynch for outdoor fun and family time.
Merton will be remembered for his quick smile and eagerness to help anyone in need. His life motto was simply “others.” His true passion was to see people come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and working in the local church. Most early mornings you would find him studying his Bible, and praying for each member of his family and friends by name. Merton served in the local church for many years as a deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and wherever needed. He was a founding member of the Independent Faith Baptist Church, Wayne. He served many years on the boards of Pioneer Bible Institute and the Sioux City Gospel Mission. He was also a lifetime member of the Gideons.
Mert is survived by his wife, Alice; their children, Russell (Deanette) Marshall, Allen; Rosella Gonzales, Norfolk; Loretta (Tim) Heaton, Jefferson, S.D.; Estelle (James) Bierbower, Wakefield; Priscilla (Dwaine) Junck, Carroll; Rebekah (Jason) Flowers, Mayfield, Ky,; son-in-law, Marti Calhoon, Wayne; 22 grandchildren, Amanda (Jason) Brown, Stephanie (Trevor) Pederson, Jacob Switzer, Zachariah, Matthew, and Danielle Karr, Jeff (Amber) Heaton, Tyler (Kara) Heaton, Katie Calhoon, Jessica (Anthony) Garza, Joshua (Kristina) Calhoon, Annette Bierbower, James R. (Alison) Bierbower, Samantha (Ezra) Broderson, Brooklyn Bierbower, Elizabeth, Faith, Samuel, and Grace Junck, Taylor, Titus, and Karissa Flowers; 14 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Mert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Marshall; sister, Karen Marshall; and daughter, Louise Calhoon.
Memorials may be directed to Mert’s family for later designation.