Geoffrey S. Merriman was born May 16, 1959 in Sioux Falls, SD to parents Don and Elaine (Dahlin) Merriman.  He died November 20, 2008 at the age of 49 years, 6 months and 4 days.

Geoff graduated from Beresford High School in 1977 and attended Mitchell Vo-Tech.  He then worked with his family in Merriman Drilling Company from 1978 to 1987.  He lived in Phoenix from 1991 to 2005 where he worked for Tucker Plumbing.  In 2005 he moved back to Beresford and was employed at Erickson Heating and Air Conditioning.

Geoff was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church where he was currently a member.  He was also a member of the Beresford Fire Department and was an active member of the El Riad Shrine in Sioux Falls where he was a bass drummer with the Oriental Band.  He enjoyed golf, bowling, music, dancing, hunting and fishing.  Geoff loved people and deeply valued his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother Elaine.

His survivors include his father Don Merriman, Beresford; 7 brothers and sisters:  Gloria Gunnare and husband Cliff of Minnesota and Arizona, Gayle White and husband Bob of Sioux Falls, Dale Merriman and wife Judi of Lawrence, KS, Larry Merriman and wife Marty of Sioux Falls, Lonnie Merriman and wife Linda of Beresford, Sharon Merriman of Walker, MN, and Penny Lansdowne and husband Brian of Beresford; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM, Monday, November 24, 2008 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Beresford, SD.  Visitation with family present will be from 6PM to 8PM with a prayer service at 7:00PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.