Merlin J. "Merle" Bernard, 85, Minster, died at 1:10 a.m. Feb. 4, 2015, at his home.

He was born May 30, 1929, in St. Henry, to George and Gertrude Fischer Bernard. On Oct. 7, 1960, in Fort Loramie, he married Mary E. Gaier, who survives in Minster.

Also surviving are three sons, Gary (Marge), Vierra, Fla., Bill (Cheri), Minster, and Bob (Jeanne), West Lafayette, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; and 11-great grandchildren.

Deceased are a brother, Stanley (Adelle) Bernard, and a sister, Mary (Leo) Buehler.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, and the Orphan Society of the church. He was president and board member of the Minster Rescue Squad, the Shelby County Farm Bureau and the Lake Loramie Improvement Association.

He also was a member of the Loramie Watershed, Newport Sportsman's Club, New Bremen Rod & Gun Club, Arrowhead Golf Club, Minster TruPointe (Minster Farmer's Co-Op), Minster Knights of Columbus, Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles 1391, Minster Athletic Boosters and the National Rifle Association.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, the Rev. Rick Nieberding officiating. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday and 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice, 230 W. Main St. Coldwater, OH 45828.

Condolences may be sent to www.hogenkampfh.com.