Don Merchen
1948 — 2014
Don Duane Merchen, age 65 of Petersburg, Nebraska, died Friday, July 25, 2014, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at the Methodist Church in Elgin, Nebraska. He was born in Osmond, Nebraska, on November 8, 1948, to Otto Merchen and Bessie Parsons and grew up on the family farm near Bloomfield, Nebraska, with his siblings Richard, Maxine, Gene, and Dale. He attended rural school up to the 8th Grade. He also attended Bloomfield High School where he rode in the Bloomfield High School Rodeo. While working as a rodeo clown in Texas, Don lost his teeth when he was struck in the mouth by a bull’s horn. Don’s passion for hunting led him to Colorado to work as a hunting guide at Hollis Atwood for a few years, and after he was diagnosed with MS in 1975, he continued to hunt, fish, and enjoy life for 39 years. His motto in life was “where there is a will, there is a way.”
In 1975, he married Pam Hanefeldt and to this union his daughter Janice was born. On July 2, 1983, he married Crystal Toelle and their 31 year side-by-side journey began.
His greatest joy was his family and he truly enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.
Don is survived by his wife Crystal of Petersburg; daughter Janice Nichols and her husband Chris, and grandkids Karissa, Aliya, and Cade, of Columbus, NE; sister Maxine Mormann of Crofton; brother Dale of Harrisburg, Oregon; 2 nephews, 2 nieces, 1 great nephew, and 1 great niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers Richard and Gene.
Nebraska Cremation was in charge of arrangements.
