Funeral Services for Merton “Mert” Marshall, age 83, of Wayne, will be held at Evangelical Free Church in Concord on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be at Hasemann Funeral Home in Wayne on Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with family present. Interment will be at Coleridge City Cemetery in Coleridge. He passed away on Monday in Wayne. Memorials may be directed to the Marshall family for later designation. Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Merton Charles Marshall was born on March 17th, 1936, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Charles and Evelyn (Viergutz) Marshall. Merton grew up in the Sholes and Coleridge NE. areas and graduated from Coleridge High School in 1953. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in May of 1958. Upon returning home from basic training, Merton married the love of his life, Alice Swan on May 22nd 1959 in Coleridge NE. The couple got acquainted and fell in love while working together at the Farmer’s Union Store in Coleridge. Over the years, they made their home in Hartington, Randolph, and Wayne, and after Mert’s retirement spent a lot of time on their farm place outside of Coleridge NE.
Merton was well known for being an excellent auto mechanic, and owner of Mert’s Econ-O-Way in Wayne before starting his career with the City of Wayne. He enjoyed his work with the City of Wayne, first at the Street Dept., then as the head of Water Dept., and Waste Water Treatment Plant until his retirement in 1997. Merton especially loved spending time with his 7 children, 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He loved working and being outdoors. He anxiously awaited deer season and the trips to Lynch Nebraska for outdoor fun and family time.
Merton will be remembered for his quick smile and eagerness to help anyone in need. His life moto was simply ‘OTHERS”. His true passion was to see people come to know Jesus as their personal Savior and working in the local church. Most early mornings you would find him studying his Bible, and praying for each member of his family and friends by name. Merton served in the local church for many years as a deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and wherever needed. He was a founding member of the Independent Faith Baptist Church in Wayne. He served many years on the boards of Pioneer Bible Institute and the Sioux City Gospel Mission. He was also a lifetime member of the Gideons. Merton, or Mert as he was best known, was a humble man, a friend to all, and an inspiration to those that knew him best. He showed us all how to be kind, to love unconditionally, and to always do your best.
Mert is survived by his wife, Alice; their children, Russell (Deanette) Marshall of Allen, Rosella Gonzalez of Norfolk, Loretta (Tim) Heaton of Jefferson, SD, Estelle (James) Bierbower of Wakefield, Priscilla (Dwaine) Junck of Carroll, Rebekah (Jason) Flowers of Mayfield, KY; son-in-law, Marti Calhoon of Wayne;
22 grandchildren, Amanda (Jason) Brown, Stephanie (Trevor) Pederson, Jacob Switzer, Zachariah, Matthew, and Danielle Karr, Jeff (Amber) Heaton, Tyler (Kara) Heaton, Katie Calhoon, Jessica (Anthony) Garza, Joshua (Kristina) Calhoon, Annette Bierbower, James R. (Alison) Bierbower, Samantha (Ezra) Broderson, Brooklyn Bierbower, Elizabeth, Faith, Samuel, and Grace Junck, Taylor, Titus, and Karissa Flowers; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Mert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Marshall; sister, Karen Marshall; and daughter, Louise Calhoon.
