Merle Schuneman, 79

Merle Gerald Schuneman, 79, died August 6, 2012.

Merle was born December 23, 1932 at home (delivered by his father) on the farm of his parents, Carl “Charlie” and Clara (Roth) Schuneman. He was baptized on January 20, 1933 and confirmed on May 4, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carlos. Merle grew up on the family farm in Belle River Township and attended the country school adjoining their farm.

After 8th grade, he farmed for three years, deciding to return to school at Central High School in Alexandria, graduating in 1953. Merle took time out of farming to serve his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957.

On August 21, 1965, Merle married Barbara Cain in Paso Robles, California. Merle began as a substitute rural letter carrier in 1964, being appointed as a full time carrier in 1979, but also continued farming.

Merle served as a Belle River Township supervisor for 41 years and 8 months. He was also active in Future Farmers of America, earning the American Farmer Degree and Douglas County Outstanding Young Farmer in 1955. Merle held leadership roles in his church, Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and Belle River Township Board. After he retired from the Postal Service in 1998, he continued to farm, enjoying the challenge farming presented.

He enjoyed figuring out how things worked, fixing things, word finds and puzzles. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never passed up a chance to tease anyone.

Merle’s birthday became even more special when his daughter, Karen and granddaughter, Katelyn were also born on December 23.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Carlos; five children, Jane (Bruce) Pederson of Westbrook, Karen Schuneman of Blaine, Linda (Steve) Gunn of Erie, CO, Mark (Glenda) Schuneman of White Bear Lake, Melissa (Mark) Kloubec of Blaine; grandchildren, Andrew and Juliana Pederson of Westbrook, Jocelyn and Benjamin Gunn of Erie, CO, Kyle Schuneman of White Bear Lake, Katelyn, Madison, Jenna Kloubec of Blaine; sisters, Dorothy (Bob) Pederson of Miltona, Eleanor (Dean) Yohnke of Carlos; sisters-in-law, Irene (Schuneman) Tvrdik, Gloria Schuneman, both of Alexandria, Lillian Schuneman of Carlos; along with other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl “Charlie” in 1944, Clara in 1982; infant brother, Willis in 1943, brothers, George in 1998, Richard in 2008, Harlan in 2009.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 11 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Pallbearers were Merle’s nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers were Bryan Ziegler and Micheal Ziegler. Burial was at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Carlos.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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