Died Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at home.
Merlin was born on May 14, 1930 to August and Anna 'Duis' Brei. He graduated from Odell High School in 1947. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Wehling on July 25, 1954. His brother, Pastor Harlan Brei, officiated at the service. He was a farmer, worked on the maintenance staff at Midland University, general maintainer at Camp Carol Joy Holling, and retired in 1994 as head of custodial staff from Fremont High School. After retirement he hauled cars for Gene Steffy's and drove a shuttle for Moostash Joe Tours. He enjoyed pitching baseball and softball for many years, traveling, woodworking and family. He was a charter member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Fremont.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step mother, Lucille, brother Harlan and son-in-law Kevin Kitrell, brother-in-law Ernie Wehling.
Survivors include wife Marilyn of Fremont, daughters Mary Jo (John) Brei-Crawley of WA; Marj (Larry) North of Milwaukie, OR; Marcia Kitrell of Omaha, and son Mike (Ruth) Brei of Sergeant Bluff, IA. Grandchildren Jessica (Michael) Beyer, Renton, WA; Julianna (Joseph Fries) Brei-Crawley of Bellevue, WA.; Kristin and Michael North of Milwaukie, OR.; Sarah North of Anchorage, AK; Jamie Scott of Gresham, OR; Amanda Brei (Brad) Schlegel of Seward, Logan (Natalie) Brei of Lincoln, Katy (Alex) McIntyre of Omaha, Kristy (Mike) McGuire of Omaha, Kerri and Mikayla Kitrell of Omaha. Great grandchildren, Theo, Aida and Milo Schlegel of Seward; Leah, Chloe and Cora Brei of Lincoln; brother Clarence (Rosella) Brei of Fremont, and sister-in-law Dorothy Brei of Omaha. Brothers-in-law Bill and Bob Wehling of Beatrice, sisters-in-law Mary Shier and Audra Wehling of Colorado.
There is no viewing but the family will receive friends from 2-4pm on Sunday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont (masks required). Private family services, Livestreamed beginning at 10:30am, Monday, March 8, 2021 on St. Timothy Lutheran Church facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Sttimfremont), Rev. Shari Schwedhelm will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Camp Carol Joy Holling, Midland University, or St. Timothy Lutheran Church Mission Fund.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To view a recording of Merlin's service please use the following link:
https://youtu.be/nnHjSf_soss
Condolences(9)
Pat Means Haddican
Minneapolis, MN Monday, March 15, 2021 I know my parents, Bert and Betty Means would want to offer their sincere condolences to the family of Merlin. My Dad worked at Midland and was friendly with Merlin for many, many years. Merlin was in the group that would gather in the Midland cafeteria for freshly made (by my Dad) donuts and endless coffee at 10:00 to talk, share stories and lots of laughter. Hope Merlin, my Dad, Jack Calhoun and the whole group are all up there laughing and sharing more stories together.Nancy Schroeder
Blair, NE Thursday, March 11, 2021 Dear Marilyn and familyWe remember you in prayer as you mourn and celebrate Merlin's life... he was a gentle giant in faith and family. We have fond memories of Merlin and Clarence during our Midland days long ago...both known for their dedication and trustworthiness...Wishing you the Peace of the Lord and may you be comforted..Nancy Brand Schroeder
Tori Alai
Sunnyvale, CA Monday, March 8, 2021 Thinking of you Marilyn and family today. Wishing Merlin safe travels on his way home to the Lord. I always felt Merlin was welcoming and genuinely happy to see me and everyone when he met us. Now I believe he is lighting our way home. Peace be with you all today and always. Love ToriLawrence Adam
Kansas City, MO Friday, March 5, 2021 Sorry to hear about Merlin passing, he was one great guy!I remember when dad took me up to Fremont, so Merlin could teach me how to throw a curve ball. After about 3 hours with no success, Merlin suggested that I might forget pitching and think about playing a different position. That was over 60 years ago.
Rev David Halaas
Sioux City, IA Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Our sympathy to Mike, Ruth, and all of the family...God's peace..... from Rev David Halaas, St Mark Lutheran in Sioux City and Bishop Lorna HalaasJosh Patrick
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Marilyn and family, so sorry for your loss. Merlin was a great man and will be missed by many.Merri Misfeldt
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 3, 2021 I remember Merlin from my years at Midland. He and Clarence worked so hard and kept Midland looking great. They both always had a head nod when you passed them!! Rest In Peace kind Merlin.cindy hinkel
fremont, NE Wednesday, March 3, 2021 so saddened by this news. Mr Brei was one of the kindest, most giving , gentle souls that I have ever met. I am sure he will be immensely missed. he was a true example of "Gods love" and showed it in so many ways. praying for peace and comfort to his family, cherish your wonderful memories always,Vicki Wehrmann-Sorensen
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 3, 2021 I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that your memories will help to ease your pain and knowing that he is in his heavenly home will be a comfort. Condolences, Vicki