Merle H. Muench, age 89, of Hastings, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at United Hospital in Saint Paul.
Merle was born on June 28, 1935, to Howard and Bernice (Heineman) Muench in Amagua Township, north of Ogden, Iowa. He was one of eight children, growing up on the family farm alongside his three brothers and four sisters. After graduating from high school, Merle proudly served in the U.S. Army.
On May 12, 1962, Merle married Mary Troutman in Ogden, Iowa, after they met at a dance hall in Carroll, Iowa. Together, they had four children: Michelle, Mike, Marcy, and Marc. The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, before settling in Hastings, MN, in 1974, where they made their home for 50 years.
Merle worked for 33 years as a supervisor at MAPCO and stayed active after retirement, working various jobs to remain social and engaged. He was passionate about coaching and loved sports, especially basketball, hockey, and baseball. He enjoyed playing softball, both slow-pitch and fast-pitch, and was an avid hunter. Merle also cherished time spent on fishing trips with family and friends.
Known for his ability to fix just about anything, Merle was always ready to tinker and lend a helping hand. His sense of humor and love for connecting with others made him a beloved figure in his community. He cherished his family deeply, especially his wife of 62 years, Mary.
Merle is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Michelle (Kraig) Ellingson, Mike (Lynn) Muench, Dr. Marcy (Dr. Dean) Gerads, and Marc (Maricel) Muench; grandchildren, Michaela, Josiah, Gloria (Caleb), Matthew, Jeffrey, Amurie, Gage, Connor, Paul, Lauren (Connor), and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Kamari and Carter; siblings, Marva Jean (Glenn) Stark, Merlin (Jody) Muench, John (Stephanie) Muench, Dwight (Dianna) Muench, and Linda Trudo; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marlene (Ted) Simon and Madonna Sue (Mac) Magill; brother-in-law, Ron Trudo; daughter-in-law, Mandy Muench (née Behnken); and many special in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A visitation will also be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
Burial with honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the arrangements.
