James Bernard "Jim" Merveldt was taken by his Lord into heaven on Feb. 5, 2009 at Baptist Medical Center in OKC. Jim was born Feb. 21, 1932 in El Reno, the son of Carl and Vera (Minard) Merveldt. He attended Liberty School North of El Reno and graduated from El Reno High School. Jim received a degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma A & M. He was in ROTC and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. After graduating from college, he became an officer in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia and served 2 years as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army in Alaska. He returned home to farm and raise his family north of El Reno. He was active in the Jr. Farm Bureau and Elks Lodge, and was a member of the Okarche School Board. Jim was awarded Conservationist of the Year for his work in wildlife and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He served the Lord in his church by being a President, Elder, Sunday school teacher, and youth sponsor. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Ruth (Dubberstein), and four children and their spouses, Mark Merveldt of Yukon, Karla and Karl Mueggenborg of Okarche, Steve and Dana Merveldt of Monument, CO, Kathy and James Lardner of Edmond and a brother Don and his wife, Barbara, of El Reno. His pride and joy were his children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Jim was blessed with many family and friends that he cared for deeply. Services will be 2 p.m., Mon., Feb. 9, at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 N. W. Expressway, OKC with burial in the El Reno Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church. Huber-Benson Funeral Home El Reno, OK
Published in The Oklahoman on 2/7/2009
