Merritt E. Ulmer

Merritt E. Ulmer, age 92, of Menno, SD passed away Friday, February 14, 2014 at his residence. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, SD with Rev. Theresa Jacobson officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery with Military graveside rites by the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152 and the SDARNG Honor Guard. Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday, at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, with the family present. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Pallbearers will be Richard Ulmer, Daniel Ulmer, Tom Ulmer, Daniel Ulmer, Jr., Daniel Mettler, and Mark Hento.

Merritt Edward Ulmer was born June 26, 1921 to Julius and Edleen (DeCamp) Ulmer of Menno, SD. Merritt graduated from Menno High School in 1939. In 1942 he enlisted in the service and received his flight training in Pensacola, FL where he received his wings. He flew for the U.S. Naval Transport over most of the Pacific. He was stationed in Hawaii where he met Nina O'Neal who was an evacuation nurse for the Army. They later married in Oakland, CA.

After his honorable discharge, Merritt and Nina moved back to Menno, SD where Merritt worked with his father at the Menno State Bank for many years. Merritt also farmed east of Menno, SD. Nina passed away in 1986.

In 1996 Merritt met and married Marie Weiland of Scotland, SD. They had been married for 17 years. Marie flew many trips with Merritt in his twin Comanche. His love was flying! Merritt was a kind and thoughtful man and he was loved by many.

He is survived by his wife, Marie of Scotland, SD; his six children: Richard of Spearfish, SD, Robert of Lake Andes, SD, Daniel (Linda) of Menno, SD, Tom (Jackie) of Menno, SD, John (Cheryl) of Menno, SD and Jane (Michael) Stafford of Houston, TX; his six grandchildren: Ryan Ulmer, Jennie Ulmer, Wesley Stafford, Ben Stafford, Lucas Stafford, and Daniel Ulmer, Jr.

Merritt was preceded in death by his wife Nina, parents, and Aunt Elsie and Uncle Paul Grow, and Uncle Merritt for whom he was named.