Merlin Jenner

Merlin D. Jenner, 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.

Memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, Miller. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller, with military honors.

Merlin Duane Jenner was born March 22, 1932 in Hand County, SD to Arthur and Gladys (Fisher) Jenner. After graduation from high school, Merlin joined the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1960. He married the absolute love of his life, Shirley Rawstern-Hern on November 16, 1955. Merlin became the father of Rex and Nola Hern and joining this union in later years were Lynn, Brian and Todd. Merlin and Shirley farmed in Hand County, SD, eventually moving to St. Lawrence. Merlin worked at a service station in Miller, SD then the family purchased M&S Grocery Store in St. Lawrence before moving to Huron, SD where Merlin worked for many years as an Assistant Manager at J.C. Penney. In 1989 they relocated to Bartlesville, OK where they both served as custodial staff at First Church of the Nazarene and Wesleyan Christian School. Merlin and Shirley had fun making and selling woodcrafts and going antiquing during retirement. Merlin especially enjoyed his "meetings" with his buddies at McDonalds, where the family even celebrated his 80th birthday.

Merlin took loving care of his mother-in-law, Bertha Miller, and his special sweetheart Shirley in their final days with great love and dignity. Merlin loved a good joke and had a million of them. He loved putting on his "special" outfit: gray wig, yellow pants, bike horn and more, to get a laugh out of the grandkids for their special occasions. Merlin loved his Lord and Savior and served Him faithfully.

He is survived by one daughter Nola and husband Ken Storm of Fargo, ND. Four sons: Rex and wife Celene Hern of Prinsburg, MN, Lynn Jenner of Edmond, OK, Brian and wife Sonja Jenner, Todd and wife Krystal Jenner all of Bartlesville. Merlin was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Lois Christiansen and sister-in law Virginia Jenner of Miller, SD numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley Jean Jenner, brother Irving Jenner and grandchild Abby Jenner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: Journey Home Hospice House, 3407 SE Kentucky, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Merlin’s arrangements.