Merle F. Klassen

Merle F. Klassen, 84, of Albion, NE, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at his home in Albion, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2021 at St. Michael's Church in Albion, NE with Rev. Jim Heithoff and Deacon James Schindel officiating. Inurnment will follow in the parish cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the American Legion Post #162, VFW Post #736, Sons of the American Legion Post #162, the Army Funeral Honor Guard, and the American Legion Riders. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Wake Service at church.  Current Covid-19 DHM's in effect, including social distancing, will be followed at all services and masks will be required for those in attendance.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Merle Francis Klassen, son of George and Mary (Wlaschin) Klassen was born on September 10, 1936 at Albion, NE.   He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE. Merle attended school at Boone County School Districts 72 and 7, attended Petersburg High School for 1 year, and then graduated from Albion High School in 1953.  He then started working for Boone County as a heavy equipment operator.

Merle entered the United States Army on February 4, 1960 and was honorably discharged on March 28, 1962.  When he returned home from the service, he continued his job with Boone County. On October 29, 1972 Merle was united in marriage to Janice Eileen Bittner at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  They lived in Albion, NE.  Merle continued to work for the county where he was the county foreman and was employed there for 49 years.  He also worked for Dan Morgan and Norm Thewke helping with construction.   He was most recently employed by Country Partners for 14 years, until 2020 when he retired.

Merle was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus #1739, and American Legion Post #162 and VFW Post #736.  He loved to drive truck for the COOP or hauling corn.  Merle also enjoyed gardening.  He was a very proud grandfather and loved to attend all his grandchildren's events.

Merle is survived by his wife Janice of Albion, NE; two children: Audrey (David) Figgner of Primrose, NE; Scott (Michelle) Klassen of Elkhorn, NE; four grandchildren: Lyndsey and David Figgner III of Primrose, NE; Elizabeth and Bradley Klassen of Elkhorn, NE: two sisters: Florence Streeter and Mary Ann Hinze, brother Leo (Judy) Klassen all of Albion, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joe, Jerome, and Bob; brothers-in-law Bob Streeter and Dewey Hinze; sisters-in-law JoAnn Klassen and Mavis Klassen; and nephews Leon Hinze and Bill Streeter.