Merle F. Zierke, 80

Blue Earth — Merle F. Zierke, age 80, of Blue Earth, formerly of Elmore, died March 5, 2008, at his home. Funeral services were held March 8, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elmore, with Rev. Dale Kohrs officiating. Burial was in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Elmore. Patton Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of arrangements.

He was born Sept. 30, 1927, at Elmore Township, the son of Henry and Hilda (Madetzke) Zierke.

Merle was raised and educated in the Elmore area where he was a 1945 graduate of Elmore High School. Following school he helped farm his family farm before entering the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict. He returned home and was later married to Carole Haugen on June 18, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa. The couple farmed near Elmore for many years, retiring to Blue Earth in 1998. Merle was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elmore, where he taught Sunday School and was the Sunday School Superintendent. His greatest passions in life were his family, his church and his farm. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and spending time with good friends.

Merle is survived by his wife, Carole Zierke of Blue Earth, his sons, Greg Zierke (special friend Janet Gilreath) of Blue Earth, Brad (Deb) Zierke of Blue Earth, Anthony Zierke of Elmore, Tracy (Gina) Zierke of Blue Earth, his brother, Howard (Mae Jean) Zierke of Blue Earth, his sister, Marilyn Jordan of Lake Charles, La., nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Jeff in 1992.

Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com