Merle W Artz

Funeral Services for Merle W. Artz will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.  at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Dave Irwin officiating.  Interment will follow services at the Orleans Cemetery with military honors provided by the Orleans Harold Morin American Legion Post #184 in conjunction with the United States Army Military Honor Team.

Merle Wayne Artz, 96 years of age, of Alma, Nebraska, (formerly of Orleans, Nebraska), passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma.  Merle was born at the family farm southwest of Huntley, Nebraska on April 10, 1919, the eldest of four children, to John L. and Julia Daisy (Metzger) Artz.  Merle graduated from Huntley High School in 1936.  He farmed for three years, then attended Hastings Business College in Hastings, Nebraska.

On April 14, 1940 he was united in marriage to Marian Frances Dickau in Hastings, Nebraska; to this union four children were born:  Patricia Kaye, Merle James, Rebecca Sue, and Deanna Frances.  The family moved to Orleans in January of 1941, when Merle went to work for Farmers Equity Coop Creamery.  Merle served in the United States Army from March 1945 to August 1946, and returned to work at the Creamery until 1954.  Merle worked for Tripe Motor Company from 1954 to 1962.  In 1962, Merle began a 32 year career at the Republican Valley Bank until his retirement in June, 1994.

Merle served as the Secretary of the Orleans School Board for 18 years.  He was a member of the Orleans Rotary Club, the Orleans Harold Morin Post #184 American Legion, serving as Treasurer; the V.F.W., Secretary of the Orleans Cemetery Board, and Treasurer of the Orleans Township Board.

He was a member of the Orleans Presbyterian Church since January 3, 1941, serving as elder, deacon, and treasurer.  Merle enjoyed outdoor activities and yard work.  He was known for helping folks with preparing their taxes, shoveling snow and other tasks that were difficult for them to do for themselves.

Besides his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Marian on September 8, 1995; one daughter, Deanna Kuskie on February 17, 2013; his brothers:  Lloyd L. Artz and Dean B. Artz and sister, Phyllis A. Sall.

He leaves to celebrate his life; one son, Jim Artz and his wife, Lorie, of Wallace, Nebraska; two daughters:  Pat Teck and her husband, Ron, of Grand Junction, Colorado and Becky Fleischmann and her husband, Dave (Doc) of Alma, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren:  Steve Anderson and his wife, Carrie, Ryan Anderson and his special friend, Carol Anderson, Shannon Breitzman and her husband, James, Michael Teck and his wife, Mallory, John Teck, Stephanie Bumgarner and her husband, Scott, Tamara Peterson and her husband, Gary, Cynthia Schroeder and her husband, Joshua, Matthew Artz, Kent Fleischmann, Katie Fleischmann, Christi Weathers and her husband, JD, and Anthony Kuskie; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Gust Sall of Holdrege; sister-in-law, Carol Kauk of Alma; special friend, Arlene Clement of Alma; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans.

A memorial has been established in Merle's name.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey and Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangement.