Merle Ferwerda, 80, of Springfield
Funeral services will be 2 PM, Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield, with military honors. Visitation will be Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM, followed by a 7 PM prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield.
Merle Richard Ferwerda, son of Martin and Sarah (Oliver) Ferwerda, was born July 17, 1927 on a farm near Springfield, SD. He died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at his home in Springfield. Merle attained the age of 80 years, six months and 28 days.
Merle attended Hitt Country School and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Luetta L. Schweinforth on May 1, 1952 at Scotland. They moved to rural Springfield and farmed. In addition to farming, they owned and operated the Springfield-Sioux Falls bus line from 1964 to 1976. Merle was then a tour bus driver for 22 years. Luetta died December 4, 1996. Merle moved into Springfield in July of 2004.
Merle was a member of the United Church of Christ in Springfield where he served as a trustee on the church board. He also was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He helped organize and served as vice-president of the Bon Homme County Abandoned Cemetery Association.
Merle enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends.
Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Kendra and husband, Dean Kattelmann of Brookings, Karen and husband, Don Klinkner of Artesian, Bryan and wife, Amy (DeBerg) of Sioux Falls, and Randy and wife, Angie of Avon; eight grandchildren: Brad Kattelmann and wife, Alison of Wall, Leslie Kattelmann of Madison, Wl, Diane and husband, Willie Hale of Omaha, NE, Kristen Klinkner of Brookings, Derek Klinkner of Artesian, Roger Ferwerda of Sioux Falls, and Justin and Carmindy Ferwerda of Avon; special friend, Leola Hornstra of Springfield; five brothers: Dale of Springfield, Gene of Spencer, IA, Layton and wife, Helen of Yankton, Alvin and wife, Avis of Winner and Laddie and wife, Mary of Centerville; two sisters: Carol and husband, James Lukkes of Avon and Amy and husband, Gale Scholl of Scotland; two sisters-in-law: Hazel Ferwerda of Clermont, FL and Loraine Boschma of Springfield; and many relatives and friends, including Julie Shrader of Scottsdale, AZ.
Merle was preceded in death by his wife; parents; baby brother, Fred Arnold and brother, Martin Noel; brother-in-law, Richard Boschma; and two sisters-in-law: Dorothy Ferwerda and Henrietta Ferwerda.