Merle E. Tritle
September 9, 1906 — October 6, 2002
Merle E. Tritle, 96, of Alburnett, died Sunday, October 6, 2002, at his home, following a short illness. Services: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2002, at Alburnett United Methodist Church, by Rev. Fred Darbonne. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Marion and one hour prior to the service at the church.
His family includes three children, a son, Dwayne E. Tritle (who is deceased) and his children, Mike Tritle, Jeff Tritle, Kim Behrens and Clay Tritle; a daughter, Audrey M. and husband Bob Berry and their children, Jeanne Bailey, Julie Hoover, Janet Sargent and Jennifer Berry; and a daughter, Carol A. and husband Ardith K. Smith and their children, Teresa Philipp, Gregg Smith, Steve Smith and Rick Smith.
Also surviving are thirty great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers and five sisters.
Merle was born September 9, 1906, the son of Barnard and Emma (Engle) Tritle in Palo. On June 23, 1931, Merle married Elizabeth Grandia at her parent?s farm in Edgerton, Minnesota. She died April 6, 2002. Merle and Elizabeth celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 23, 2001. Merle was a lifelong carpenter and owned Tritle Construction Company. He was an active member of the Alburnett United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Alburnett Lions Club. Merle was a former member of Level Lodge No. 284 AF & AM in Central City where he served as past master. He served on the Alburnett School Board for many years and the Alburnett Volunteer Fire Department.
Merle was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed fishing, camping and gardening. He was well loved and will be deeply missed by many.
A memorial fund has been established in memory of Merle.
His family includes three children, a son, Dwayne E. Tritle (who is deceased) and his children, Mike Tritle, Jeff Tritle, Kim Behrens and Clay Tritle; a daughter, Audrey M. and husband Bob Berry and their children, Jeanne Bailey, Julie Hoover, Janet Sargent and Jennifer Berry; and a daughter, Carol A. and husband Ardith K. Smith and their children, Teresa Philipp, Gregg Smith, Steve Smith and Rick Smith.
Also surviving are thirty great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers and five sisters.
Merle was born September 9, 1906, the son of Barnard and Emma (Engle) Tritle in Palo. On June 23, 1931, Merle married Elizabeth Grandia at her parent?s farm in Edgerton, Minnesota. She died April 6, 2002. Merle and Elizabeth celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 23, 2001. Merle was a lifelong carpenter and owned Tritle Construction Company. He was an active member of the Alburnett United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Alburnett Lions Club. Merle was a former member of Level Lodge No. 284 AF & AM in Central City where he served as past master. He served on the Alburnett School Board for many years and the Alburnett Volunteer Fire Department.
Merle was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed fishing, camping and gardening. He was well loved and will be deeply missed by many.
A memorial fund has been established in memory of Merle.
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