Merwin Wesley Schluntz

March 13, 1935 - April 24, 2007

HUNTLEY -- Merwin Wesley Schluntz 72, died Tuesday (April 24, 2007) at his home miles south of Huntley.

He was born to Julius William and Fay Viola (Fuesner) Schluntz on March 13, 1935, east of Huntley. He attended the Huntley Consolidated School where he graduated with the class of 1952. He entered the U. S. Army in 1956, and was honorably discharged in 1958, serving state side at Fort Smith, Ark.

On April 8, 1960, he married Sharon Elaine Petitjean at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church at Holdrege. They made their home on their farm south of Huntley where he farmed and raised cattle throughout his life.

He attended the Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church east of Huntley until the church closed. In 1949, he joined the Huntley Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1987; his mother in 1989; and one brother-in-law, Wendell Ziems.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of Huntley; daughter Pamela Downer and husband, Andrew of Cambridge; son Douglas of rural Alma; two brothers, Clinton Schluntz and wife, Vivian of the Hollinger and LeRoy Schluntz and wife Vicki of Huntley; two sisters, Genevieve Ziems of Bertrand and Jean Beiriger and husband, William of rural Holdrege; other relatives; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, 2 p.m., at United Methodist Church in Huntley with the Rev. Jean Clayton officiating. Interment will be in the Bainbridge Cemetery in Huntley.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 p.m., at the Banta-Torrey Funeral Home in Alma.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Banta-Torrey Funeral Home of Alma is in charge of arrangements.