Merle Christensen was born April 23, 1923 in Esmond, SD to parents Adolph and Ingeborg (Neilsen) Christensen. He died December 20, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland, SD at the age of 85 years.

Merle moved to the Beresford area as a young boy and attended Pioneer rural school. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to rural Beresford and began his lifelong career as a farmer. Merle sold Pioneer Hybrid and Mustang Seed for a total of 55 years. He moved to the Scotland Good Samaritan Center in December of 2007 and has resided there until his death.

Merle was baptized and confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church. He was a lifelong member of the Beresford VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed collecting toy farm equipment and was an avid Twins fan.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and five sisters. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Beresford with burial at Nazareth Cemetery, rural Beresford. Visitation will be two hours prior to services at the church.