Merlin Orry Boese

Merlin Orry Boese was born Monday, January 19, 1925 on a cold day, to the loving parents, Nettie (Schultz) and Isaac Boese. He grew up on the original homestead of Heinrich Boese and attended rural Mennonite Elementary District 4. At times his father would walk him to school across the field, afraid he would get lost in the dust storm. Merlin graduated from Avon High School in 1943.
In September of 1943 Merlin enlisted with the Navy where he trained as a medical technician. After serving his country, he was honorably discharged July 3, 1945.
Merlin farmed with his father until 1949 when he met the love of his life, Hazel Halsey. They were married December 17, 1950. She remained the love of his life for over 68 years, until her death March 27, 2019. The couple farmed briefly near Springfield, before moving to their farm south of Avon, eventually moving to the Halsey Farm near Springfield. They were blessed with three children, Donna, Mark and Randy. They spent 11 years in Custer before retiring to their home in Tyndall.
Merlin was a member of Friedensberg Bible Church, rural Avon, SD. He spent many enjoyable hours laboring over his woodworking projects.
Merlin Boese, age 96 of Tyndall passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 at his home.
Merlin is survived by his daughter Donna; sons Mark (Angelina) and Randy (Kelly); grandchildren Shawn Quigley, Kelley Quigley Friedland (Scott); Jay Boese, Joel Boese, Alpha Opese, Whitney Sawyer (Dakota), Kassie Boese and Baylee Boese; great-grandchildren Arden Quigley, Addie May Quigley, Jared Friedland, Benjamin Friedland, Chloe Boese, Ethan Boese, Beckett Sawyer, Everly Sawyer and Addie Boese.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Hazel Boese and his siblings, brother, Arden and sisters, Opal, Alma, Elona and Carol.