Merlyn Gritzmacher

Merlyn "Merle" Gritzmacher, age 94, of Sauk Centre passed away peacefully with family at his side on Friday, December 9, 2016 at CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 14th at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. The Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Inurnment will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.

Merlyn Willliam Gritzmacher was born on January 22, 1922 in Getty Township, Stearns County, Minnesota.

Merlyn was born to Katherine (Ripka) and William Gritzmacher on the farm in Getty Township. He spent his whole life except for his service years in the same house in which he was born. He moved to town reluctantly only when age and health demanded it and he could no longer drive. He and his brother, Alvin farmed until well into the 1970's. Merle loved the land and liked nothing better than taking a ride in his pickup to see how all the neighboring crops were doing. He believed the only good tractor was a green one! He thought cats were wonderful creatures and kept many of them well fed over the winters. Merle liked to fish alone or with his brothers. He enjoyed visiting old cemeteries in the area and spent many hours taking care of the Bohemian Cemetery near the farm. Nephew, Bill Berg and he made many jaunts to casinos; where sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, but always loved the trip! He took great pride in having served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps building landing strips in the Pacific Theatre. He belonged to the Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 and enjoyed peeling potatoes for fish fries and parking cars at the fair. Merlyn loved to play cards at the Senior Center. Merle was also a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.

Survivors include: his nephew, Bill (Anita) Berg of Sauk Centre; nieces, Elaine (Leon) Oman of St. Paul and Cathy (Paul) Michaelson of Granite Falls, Minnesota; six great nieces and nephews, Tony Michaelson, Katie Michaelson, Jeff Oman, Kristin Oman, Katlyn (Alex) Krebsbach and Kalli Kaiser.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Katherine; brothers, Robert and Alvin; sister and brother-in-law, Malvina and Sylvester Berg; and niece Malvina Berg.