Longtime WaKeeney resident, Merlin H. Ohlemeier, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. He was 86 years of age.

Merlin was born July 4, 1926, the older of twin boys, to Henry William and Mabel Irma (Lynn) Ohlemeier, on the farm near McCracken, Kansas. He grew up in LaCrosse, graduating from LaCrosse High School in 1944. Upon graduation, Merlin was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He and his twin brother served in the 25th Infantry Division in the Pacific theater and were part of the occupation force in Japan. Merlin attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and ran a supply depot, before being honorably discharged in 1946. On November 10, 1951, Merlin was united in marriage to Della Jean "D.J." Cramer, in LaCrosse. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage together. Merlin and family moved to Great Bend in 1955, where he worked for Halliburton. They then moved to WaKeeney in 1960, where Merlin was a mechanic for the local Ford dealership. He then managed and eventually became a co-owner of WaKeeney Redi-Mix. He was a member of the Ogallah Christian Church, past Secretary-Treasurer of the Kansas Redi-Mix Association, a member and past president of the local Isis Shrine Club. Other organizations Merlin belonged to include WaKeeney VFW Post 3449, the American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge. Merlin enjoyed water sports, golfing, camping, and many other outdoor activities. He was known for his woodworking talent and enjoyed using that talent making many different things.

Merlin will be missed by many friends and family, including his wife of the family home, two sons Jerry Alan and wife Teresa Ohlemeier of Lawrence and Jay Neal and wife Maree Ohlemeier of Hays; two brothers Bill and wife Janet Ohlemeier of Topeka and Don and wife Mary Ohlemeier of Great Bend; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons Joel Dee and infant Merlin Scott; two brothers Marlin (his twin) and Eugene; and one sister Janice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Ogallah Christian Church with Pastor Stan Faulkender officiating. Burial will be in the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions are suggested to the Ogallah Christian Church or to the donor's choice and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Words of support and sympathy may be sent to the family by clicking send private condolences or sign guestbook above.