Roland "Jack" Merrick was born February 7, 1928 near Beresford, SD to parents Hugh and Blanche (Forbes) Merrick. He died March 21, 2012 at the Hudson Health Care Center in Hudson, SD at the age of 84 years, 1 month and 15 days. Jack attended Pleasant Hill rural school and graduated from Beresford High School in 1946. After graduating, Jack began farming for Les Gubbrud. He married Delilah Newberg on July 21, 1950 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester. He entered the United States Army and upon his honorable discharge, returned to the farm near Alcester. Jack farmed until poor health forced him to retire. Even in retirement and ill health, he continued to help with the farming and loved doing so. Jack was a member of Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester and the Hudson American Legion. He also served on the Cenex Board of Directors for many years. He liked having coffee, visiting with his friends and spending time with his family. Jack was a lifelong farmer and livestock producer. He was a faithful steward of the land that he farmed and truly enjoyed making his home there. He was a hardworking, caring father and husband. He will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doreen Austin, brother Keith Merrick and grandson Matthew. His survivors include his wife Delilah of Alcester; son Steve Merrick and wife Laurel of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter Rachelle DeVecchio and husband Joseph of Scottsdale, AZ; grandson Nathan Merrick of Eugene, OR; brother Dick Merrick and wife Janet of Alcester; sister Marlene Thorson of Brandon, SD; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Friday from 5PM to 7PM at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester.