Merlin K. Sprunger

March 8, 1920 - October 19, 2016

Merlin K. Sprunger, 96, Berne, passed away on October 19, 2016 at his home at Swiss Village. Born on March 8, 1920, he was the son of Jonas and Zilla Gilliom Sprunger. He married Alice Mae Neuenschwander on September 9, 1950, and she survives.

Throughout his career, Merlin work as a C.P.A. with Edward Gore and Company in Fort Wayne, as Plant Manager and Controller at Berne Furniture, and as the first Executive Director and later Controller at Swiss Village. In addition to his work, he served on the Swiss Village Board of Directors for 35 years.

Merlin was a member of the First Mennonite Church where he served as church treasurer and as a member of the church advisory council. He was also a member of the Men's Chorus and the Mennonite Choral Society. He volunteered for many years as treasurer of Et Cetera Ecke and Swiss Heritage Society. Merlin especially enjoyed listening to classical and big band music and playing trombone and trumpet duets with his grandson.

In addition to his wife, Alice, Merlin is survived by his daughters, Joanne Sprunger of Seattle,Washington, Jennifer Sprunger of Lafayette, Indiana, and Ellen Sprunger of Indianapolis, Indiana and one grandson, Christopher Sprunger of Glendale, California. He is also survived by two sisters, Doris Sprunger of Berne and Berneta(Don)Yager of Berne.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Freadus Sprunger, Lowell Sprunger, Otis Sprunger, E.Verne Sprunger and Loren Sprunger and one sister, Margaret Eggers.

Funeral services are Sunday, October 23, 2016, 2:00pm at the Swiss Village Auditorium. Visitation on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Swiss Village. Officiating is Pastor Jerry A. Flueckiger. Burial is in the MRE Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to the Swiss Village Samaritan Fund &/or First Mennonite Mission Fund.

Sign the guest book on-line at www.yagerkirchhofer.com

Arrangements by Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home, Berne