Merlin L. Oerman
April 16, 1930 - July 31, 2024

Merlin Lee Dale Oerman, 94, of Fremont died Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Nye Square in Fremont.

Merlin was born to Herbert and Ruth (Hartung) Oerman on April 16, 1930, in Herman, Neb. He attended Vacoma District 40 School from kindergarten through 2nd grade, Immanuel Lutheran School in rural Hooper from 3rd-8th grade, New England High School in Herman, and graduated from Hooper High School in 1947. After graduation, Merlin served in the United States Navy from 1950-1954, including a trip around the world on the U.S.S. Wasp aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He trained as Airman Prep in Jacksonville, Fla., and as Aviation Machinist Mate in Memphis, Tenn.

He met his wife, Darlene Kollmorgen, when he was stationed at Kingsville, Texas, Naval Air Station. An unexplained clerical error left Merlin off the duty roster for weeks, giving him time to spend with Darlene. Christians, however, will see the mighty hand of God in the so-called ''mistake.''

Merlin and Darlene were married May 30, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Madison, Neb., and were blessed with four children. They lived on their farm between Craig and Uehling, Neb., for 40 years before retiring to Fremont in 1997. While living on the farm, Merlin also worked as a janitor at Logan View High School. He always found time to play sports with his children and read novels set in the old west. In later years, he enjoyed attending his grandsons' various sporting events.

He was active with American Legion Post 196 in Uehling, VFW Post 10535 in Hooper and served the Lord as an Elder and Treasurer of Immanuel, as well as on the Immanuel Parish School Board.

Survivors include three children: Rebecca Oerman of Truman, Minn.; Chris Oerman (and wife, Melissa) of Lincoln; and Andrew Oerman (and wife, Kelli) of Smyrna, Tenn.; brother Bernard Oerman (and wife, Joyce) of Hooper; sister-in-law, Gloria Bass (and husband, Jerry) of Corpus Christi, Texas; brother-in-law, Rex Kollmorgen (and wife, Sandra) of Toledo, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Gene Ingalise (and wife, Suki) of Las Vegas. Merlin and Darlene were also blessed with seven grandchildren: Haley Brown (and husband, Brian) of Yorkville, Ill., Brady Gunnink (and wife, Gillian) of Chicago, Benjamin Gunnink (and wife, Allison) of Joliet, Ill., Austin (and wife Olivia), Jackson and Carson Oerman of Lincoln; and Jaylen Ricks of Omaha; and six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Piper and Paige Brown; Iris and Grayson Gunnink; and Beckett Oerman.

He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene, parents; infant brother, Maurice; daughter, Shauna Gunnink; son-in-law, Eric Gunnink; parents-in-law, Theodore and Dorothea Kollmorgen; sister, Ione (and husband, Marvin) Hoeneman; and sister-in-law Gaylia (and husband, Robert) Hamilton.

The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, east of Winslow, with the Rev. Stuart Freese officiating. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont, with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Lutherans for Life.