Merle Lamp

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Merle F. Lamp, age 94, of Sherman, died on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, North Dakota. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2:00 PM Monday, April 23, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Garretson. Visitation will begin at 6:00 PM Sunday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson, with the family present at 7:30 PM for a Prayer Service and Rosary.

Merle was born on January 6, 1924, in Minnesota, to George and Lillian (Hafer) Lamp. He grew up on a farm near Elkton, South Dakota and attended country school until his father’s poor health forced him to quit school to help on the farm. Merle enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His service included taking beaches in the Philippines and Okinawa, and several tough battles on Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts for wounds he received in action. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946. On October 1, 1946, Merle married Agnes Brakke at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton. The couple lived on a farm near Elkton until moving to a different farm near Sherman. In 1956, they moved to their current farm near Sherman. Merle and Agnes farmed and milked cows. He also enjoyed participating in hand corn picking contests. Agnes passed away on January 20, 2013. Merle continued to live on the farm until moving to North Dakota to live with his daughter.

Merle was a very active member of the Garretson American Legion where he served as the Commander of the Color Guard for over 20 years. He was also active in the VFW and DAV. He was an active longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson and the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda (Joe) Huntimer, Beulah, North Dakota; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers: Roger (Beverly) Lamp, Sioux Falls, and Larry (Mary) Lamp, Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes; son, Michael in 1996; brothers: Robert, Donald, Raymond, and Leroy; and sisters: Lois Lamp and Betty Lamp.