Merlin Eugene Hefner

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Merlin Hefner, 82, from Chester, SD passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Ava’s House Hospice surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, January 25, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD followed by a luncheon. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Chester, SD.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids, SD.

Merlin was born in Chester, SD on July 16, 1935. He was the youngest of four children born to Arthur and Francis (Beyer) Hefner. He graduated from Chester High School and went into the air national guard shortly after. He then attended Barber College in Sioux City, IA. Following his graduation from Barber College, he joined the United States Navy where he was stationed in Florida. It was here that he met his wife, Jan, and they were married for 60 years. After they were married, Merlin convinced Jan to move to Chester, SD where they had two children, Marty and Kellie. Merlin was a barber or as he would say “doctor of haironology” for 62 years. He also drove school bus for 49 years.

Merlin enjoyed spending his winters in Zephyrhills, FL with Jan. In the summer time, they enjoyed tending to their garden, spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild and relaxing on their patio. They were members of First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Jan Hefner; son, Marty Hefner; daughter, Kellie (Paul) Kneip; grandchildren, Kristopher, McKenzie (Drew), Morgan, Jordan (Kelsey) and Ali; great-grandchild, Lincoln and numerous nieces and nephews.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dalton Hefner and sisters, Lucille Slack and Shirley Magnuson.