Merlin D. Alt

Merlin Dale Alt, 86, was born on Easter day, April 21, 1935 and passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021.  He was the son of Orval and Marie (Biberstein) Alt.  He had three sisters, Lavera Gillette of AZ, Alice Grimme of Fort Wayne, and Berdella Liechty, deceased.  He married Betty Settlemire of rural Lima, Ohio in 1958.  They had three sons, Steven Dale, deceased, Michael Dean, Monroe and Gregory Dee rural Berne.

Merlin graduated from Hartford High School in 1953.  Merlin always enjoyed attending the Hartford class reunions and the Hartford ball games.  When Merlin was young, he joined 4-H; as a father, he encouraged his sons to join 4-H, which they did with much success.

Merlin joined the National Guard in Bluffton, IN in 1958.  He spent 51/2 years in the reserves and six months in active duty.

Merlin farmed with his father until Orval passed away; he was then assisted with his farming by his friend and neighbor, Dave Fox.

Merlin and his sons enjoyed watching major league baseball and basketball games together.  After retiring, Merlin and Betty moved to Berne. He was a lifetime member of the First Mennonite Church of Berne.

He will be missed by his sons and wife.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021, at First Mennonite Church in Berne with Pastor Jeff Linthicum officiating.  Burial will follow at MRE Cemetery.  For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed at the First Mennonite church website http://www.firstmennonite.org

Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to First Mennonite Church.

The arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne.