David Merrill

David Merrill


Dates

July 30, 1940 - December 29, 2023

Obituary

David Merrill, 83, of Plankinton, SD, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Plankinton. Burial will be at Mizpah Cemetery in Plankinton. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Dave William Merrill was born to William and Alvera Merrill, on July 30, 1940, in Onida, South Dakota. He graduated Onida High School May 13, 1958. Dave graduated from Southern State Teachers College in 1962 with a BS degree in Vocational Teacher Education. He completed his Master’s degree from Colorado State University in 1969.

Dave’s career started with summers painting at Youngberg and Sons, which came in handy for his entire family. His first “real” job was teaching at the State Training School in Plankinton.  He met a local girl, Ruth Maine at a wedding reception and they would marry on August 13, 1966 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Plankinton. Their next stop was Aberdeen, South Dakota where he taught electronics at Aberdeen Central High School. They welcomed Kimberly Kay, November 29, 1969 and followed 3 years later by Robert William, born September 8, 1972. In 1975 they moved to Pierre, South Dakota where Dave became the State Supervisor of Trade and Industrial Education-Office of Adult, Vocational and Technical Education, State of South Dakota where he remained till his retirement in 2002 at age 62.

Their mutual love of restoring antique furniture led them on their next adventure back to Plankinton where they bought and lovingly restored a house built in 1887. Dave’s passion for education led him to serve on Plankinton’s School Board after retirement.  He also spent a good portion of his career serving on the South Dakota State Employees Organization, American Vocational Association, Jaycees, South Dakota Education Association, Toastmasters International and the Plankinton Food Pantry. Both he and Ruth were active at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre and Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Plankinton. They enjoyed many trips with their children and grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his wife, Ruth; two children, Kimberly (Thomas) McNurlin and Robert (Kim) Merrill; two grandchildren, Elyse and Jorja Merrill; brothers, Tom (Dorothea) Merrill and Rev. John (Kenlyn) Merrill; and brothers-in-law, Richard Faulhaber and Rodney Maine.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Nancy Mileusnich and Georgia Allen; and sisters-in-law, Vickey Faulhaber and Carol Schoenfelder.

If you knew Dave, you know he has never met a stranger and he seemed to know everyone in the state of South Dakota. Dave positively impacted his community as well as his family’s lives. He will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, David’s family suggests contributions be made to St Paul Lutheran Church 109 W. State St., Plankinton, SD, 57368.


Visitation(s)

Date
Friday, January 5, 2024
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
6:30 PM Prayer Service

St. Paul's Lutheran Church
109 W State St
Plankinton, SD 57368

Service

Date
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Time
11:00 AM
Location
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
109 W State St
Plankinton, SD 57368

Cemetery

Mizpah Cemetery
Plankinton, SD


Posted by Derald and Linda Shaw on July 2, 2024
Ruth and Family,
I was so shocked and saddened when I received the Pointer newsletter today and saw that Dave had passed. I was so lucky to have met and become friends with Dave at Southern in 1961. We did so much together that year and the following few years. He taught me how to water ski in his new boat and was a groomsman in our wedding when Linda & I got married in 1966, just a few weeks before your wedding in Plankinton. We had been fortunate enough to have come to Plankinton a few times to see him and then had the pleasure of meeting you, Ruth.It was such a treat to reunite with you when we moved to Aberdeen in 1972. Unfortunately after we left South Dakota we were rarely able to see you. When we moved to Luverne a few years later, it was always a special treat when he would be working for a few days in Sioux Falls and suddenly come wandering into our back yard. Dave was a very special person and I will always cherish the memories we had together during those years. Our sympathy to all of you and especially Ruth. Sending our love. Derald & Linda
Posted by Francis & Marilyn Reue on February 25, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry Ruth.
Posted by Crystal Goeden on January 16, 2024
I had the joy knowing Dave when he worked for DOE in Pierre. He made us all laugh so much and kept the office place fun! He always said to me "Don't forget to look out for number one and that's YOU!" Those words have stayed with me all these years. Prayers for your family. Keep the memories going as I know there are many!
Posted by Roger & Pat Mews on January 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed living neighbors to your family years ago. Our prayers are with you.
Posted by Cheryl Miller on January 8, 2024
Dave made everyone feel like his best friend. He will be missed.
Posted by Jim Schroer on January 7, 2024
Sincerest condolences to Dave's family. He was good friends with my Dad as members of the Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre. After I graduated high school in 1989, I saw Dave that summer and he wanted to know my education plans after high school....I told him I intended to go to LATI in Watertown for diesel mechanics in a couple years. He encouraged me not to wait, and made all the arrangements for me to attend LATI that fall. I graduated from LATI in 1991, and have been in the diesel repair business ever since graduation. I owe my career to Dave and thank him for his guidance and help. God bless!!
Posted by Patty Olson McGee on January 7, 2024
Was able to visit with Dave-at the sully county fair along with his brothers. Enjoyed reminiscing with him. My deepest sympathy to you. Such a great guy.
Posted by Lowell claussen on January 6, 2024
I was in college with Dave & latter had students participant in the vocational contest that Dave inroduced to me while I taught small engine repair at Washington Sr high school in Sioux Falls & was fun to be around in college at Southern. Sorry for your loss.
Posted by Lari and Linda Ott on January 6, 2024
We enjoyed our visits with Ruth and Dave at Faith Lutheran in Pierre. Dave always had some clever comments. Both were a joy to be around. Many years since we last saw them and I can hear their voices always wanting to stop and visit. God's Blessings to the family.
Posted by Wendall R Tisher on January 6, 2024
+I enjoyed working with and traveling with Dave during my years with Voc ED. Dave was an inspiration to many and will be remembered to all that knew him' Prayers that his family will find Peace in knowing he is in his forever home
Posted by Burton and Pauline Witte on January 6, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. David was a very nice guy. May he rest in peace and may God Bless each one of you with peace and comfort.
Posted by Jerry Oster on January 6, 2024
Mr. Merrill was my electronics teacher at Aberdeen Central in 1970-71. He helped me find a passion that led to a 49 year career in radio. A true mentor and inspiration. He made a difference for me!
Posted by Jon Youngberg on January 5, 2024
I was shocked and saddened to hear of David’s passing,my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Posted by Terry and Cindy Hoffman on January 5, 2024
Dave was such a very kind and caring man, our community will surely miss him and his guidance he gave to all of us. Our Thoughts and Prayers to you Ruth and all your Family
Posted by Nancy (Seiders) Duffek on January 5, 2024
My sympathies to Ruth and family. Several years ago I was very lucky to visit my cousin Ruth and Dave with my Mother, sister and brother and see their beautiful home. Dave was such a gracious host. RIP Dave.
Posted by Fran Schoenfelder on January 5, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Dave's family. I had the opportunity to attend college and then to be a fellow teacher of his. His enthusiasm and wisdom with making good learning environments were always admired.
Posted by Juanita and David Edinger on January 5, 2024
We surely enjoyed seeing Dave and were always welcomed with a big smile. God bless you with wonderful memories of a life well-lived.
Posted by Norma Miller on January 4, 2024
My condolences to Kim and the entire family. My heart breaks for you but hope you can find comfort in the time you’ve spent together and many memories you’ve made over the years.
Posted by Paul & Lisa Kanning on January 4, 2024
We were so sad to hear the news of Dave’s passing but glad to know he must have enjoyed one of the best week’s with his family. Sending our thoughts, prayers and sympathies. I know how much he will be missed.
Posted by curt seiders on January 4, 2024
my mother and i so enjoyed the visits we had with Dave and Ruth. thoughts are with the family.
Posted by Phyllis and James Douglas on January 4, 2024
Rob, Kim, Ruth and family. What a comfort to be with Dave when he left this world. He was the nicest man! Was sad when the family left our congregation. Prayers of comfort to you.
Posted by Joy Christoffer on January 4, 2024
Dave and Ruth always had their doors open to everyone who stopped by in Pierre or Plankinton. It was a pleasure to have them as friends and Dave was always full of humor. Sending prayers for the family and comforting thoughts.
Posted by Joy Christoffer on January 4, 2024
Dave and Ruth always had their doors open to everyone who stopped by in Pierre or Plankinton. It was a pleasure to have them as friends and Dave was always full of humor. Sending prayers for the family and comforting thoughts.
Posted by Gail Pereira on January 4, 2024
I did not know Dave personally but am very good friends with his daughter Kim and by her character I can only imagine what an amazing man Dave must have been to raise a daughter like Kim. May he forever rest in peace.
Posted by Dr. Tim Andera on January 4, 2024
I worked with David for many years as the Director of Career & Technical at SDSU. One of my many fond memories was crossing the State of SD on our annual pilgrimage to work with new and seasoned CTE teachers.
Posted by Dr. Tim Andera on January 4, 2024
I worked with David for many years as the Director of Career & Technical at SDSU. One of my many fond memories was crossing the State of SD on our annual pilgrimage to work with new and seasoned CTE teachers
Posted by Karon Schaack on January 3, 2024
Dave was a long-time colleague in the SD Dept of Education. He made countless contributions over the years to the vocational/technical programs in local schools across the state.. His soul now rests in peace. Prayers for his family at this time of sadness.
Posted by DeeAnn Gohl Knofczynski on January 2, 2024
Our hearts are broken for you all. Dave was just one outstanding guy. Loved his humor. Our family is sending you comforting thoughts during this difficult time.
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