Funeral Services For Merlin Labenz

Merlin J. Labenz, 85, of Albion, NE passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Albion, NE with Rev. Mark Tomasiewicz officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.
 
Memorials are suggested to the family. Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Merlin John was born October 2, 1931, to John and Theresa (Hastrieter) Labenz, southwest of Albion, NE. He attended grade school at District #21. On December 3, 1952, Merlin entered the United States Army and served his country until being honorably discharged on November 10, 1954. Following his military service, Merlin then farmed west of Albion with his brother Raymond.
            
On August 2, 1955, Merlin was united in marriage to Mary Lou Kraus at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Albion. To this union five children were born: David, Michael, Susan, Debra, and Michelle. Following their marriage, Merlin continued farming west of Albion until 1985, when he and Mary Lou moved into Albion. Merlin then began working for the Albion CO-OP until his retirement in 1998. He was a lifetime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Albion, where he was baptized, received First Communion and confirmed. Merlin always kept his interests in farming, gardening, reading, coming up with new ideas and taking them to realities, enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his dog Dakota.
            
Merlin leaves to mourn his death his wife of 61 years: Mary Lou of Albion, NE; five children: David (Ann) Labenz of Staples, MN; Michael (Sandy) Labenz of Lincoln, NE; Susan (Wally) Kendrick of Lincoln, NE; Debra (Douglas) Morgan of Albion, NE; Michelle (Steve) Scott of Leonardtown, MD; seven grandchildren: Kevin Labenz; Beth Labenz; Betsy (Justin) Niewohner; Bryce Morgan; Tyler Scott; Stephanie (Jon) Wheeler; one great-grandchild: Julia Niewohner; two step great-grandchildren: Harper Wheeler and Lila Mae Wheeler; two sisters: Monda Karmann of Cedar Rapids, NE; Donna Merten of Albion, NE; sister-in-law: Rosie Labenz of Albion, NE; as well as many other relatives and friends.
            
He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Theresa Labenz; three brothers: Sylvester (Pauline) Labenz; Leonard (Mary) Labenz; Raymond Labenz; one sister: Lillian Liss; and three brother-in-laws: Adolph Liss Sr.; Don Merten; and Wilfred Karmann.

---