Merle K. Kaeding

Merle K. Kaeding age 85 of York died Saturday, November 29, 2003 at York.

He was born July 26, 1918 in northern York County, Nebraska to Frederick W. and Johanna (Ehlers) Kaeding. He graduated from Benedict High School in 1936 then moved to Los Angeles to begin working at the Lockheed Aircraft Company for several years. He then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II after which he moved back home to farm north of Benedict until his retirement. He was a member of the Bradshaw V.F.W. and the York American Legion Post. Merle was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Benedict serving on numerous boards including the Church Council. He enjoyed playing and watching baseball and was an avid outdoorsman especially hunting, fishing and a good game of pitch. On May 9, 1942 he was married to Evelyn A. Chrisman in San Diego, CA. He is survived by his wife Evelyn of York. Four daughters, Carolyn and Clarence Hoffman of York, Janet Fangmeyer of York, Jeanne and Richard Stuhr of Houston, TX and Dianne and Lanny Nielsen of Stromsburg. 13 Grandchildren: Catherine and husband Scott Porath of Eagle, NE., Cynthia Hoffman of Yuma, AZ., Charles and wife Lisa Hoffman of York, Janee Fangmeyer and Jessica Fangmeyer both of Phoenix, AZ., Jeffrey Fangmeyer of Deshler, NE., Wendi Stuhr, Codi Stuhr and Chelsi Stuhr of Houston, TX., and Sunshine Nielsen of Lincoln. Eric Nielsen, Johanna Nielsen and Rachel Nielsen all of Stromsburg. 4 Great Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Laura and Abbigail Porath of Eagle, NE., and Jacob Nielsen also of Stromsburg. Also surviving is a brother Wayne Kaeding of Beatrice, NE., and a sister Irene Smalldon of Fairbury, NE. Three sister in laws, Ruth Kaeding of York, Arlene Kaeding-Small of Muscatine, IA., and Vi Kaeding of York. Nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers: Walt, Larry, Bill, George and Jim. 3 sisters: Myrtle Wolfe, Lulu Knight and Opal Kaeding.