Merlin G. Kottman

May 21, 1950 - February 21, 2013

Merlin G. Kottman age 62
of rural Scribner
Died Thursday February 21, 2013 surrounded by his family,
at his home north of Scribner after fighting a tough battle of bile duct cancer.

Merlin was born May 21, 1950 in West Point, Nebraska. He attended District #50 from first to eighth and then graduated from Scribner High School in 1968. Merlin was active in the Army Reserves from 1968 to 1974. On June 5th, 1971, Merlin married the love of his life, Arleen Dirkschneider at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Snyder, NE. He worked several jobs including: IBP in West Point, Buckridge in Fremont, farmed and raised dairy cattle by Scribner and rural West Point, and he also worked at the Co-op from 2007 to 2011. Merlin has been a long time member at St. John's Lutheran Church, Cuming County Line and has also served on their church council. Merlin has been active in the American Legion and with the Cuming County Young Farmers. Merlin enjoyed coyote hunting, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. One of Merlin's personal goals has been to make one person smile every day. Merlin will always be missed and never forgotten, because he will remain in our hearts forever.

Merlin is survived by his wife Arleen and their 5 children and families:
Jennifer and husband David Wesely of North Bend
Karen and husband Brian Brhel of Denton, NE.
Paul and wife Jaci Kottman of Waverly, NE
Amy and husband Joel Booe of Waverly, NE
Ashley and husband Lance Bachman of Lincoln, NE
6 beautiful grandchildren: Colton, Tyler, Maverick, Haley, Kaydence and Kenna

The family will receive friends at Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel on Thursday Feb. 28 from 5pm to 7pm. A memorial service will be 11am Friday March 1 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Cuming County Line, north of Scribner. The family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Obituary Provided By:
Freeman Funeral Home
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com