Merlin Alt

Merlin Dale Alt, 86, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021. He was born on Easter Day, April 21, 1935, to Orval and Marie (Biberstein) Alt. He was married in 1958 to Betty Settlemire of rural Lima, Ohio.
He graduated from Hartford High School in 1953. He always enjoyed attending the Hartford class reunions and the Hartford ball games. When he was young, he joined 4-H, and as a father, he encouraged his sons to join 4-H, which they did with much success.
He joined the National Guard in Bluffton in 1958. He spent 5½ years in the reserves and six months in active duty. He farmed with his father until Orval passed away. He was then assisted with his farming by his friend and neighbor, Dave Fox.
He and his sons enjoyed watching major league baseball and basketball games together. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Berne. He was a lifetime member of the First Mennonite Church of Berne.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Michael Dean Alt of Monroe; and Gregory Dee Alt of rural Berne; and two sisters, Lavera Gillette of Arizona; and Alice Grimme of Fort Wayne.
He will be missed by his sons and wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Steven Dale Alt; and sister, Berdella Liechty.
Visitation will be three hours prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service Saturday, August 21 at First Mennonite Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Linthicum. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at the First Mennonite Church website www.firstmennonite.org.
Memorials may be made to First Mennonite Church.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.