Merle H. Fenicle

MERLE HARVEY FENICLE was born on September 26, 1913 to Charles and Eva (Payne) Fenicle on a farm in Lone Rock Township of Moody County, South Dakota where he was raised. He attended the Simons Country School and the school in Flandreau through 8th grade, and the vocational high school in Brookings, South Dakota for two years studying agriculture. Upon completion of his education, he helped on the family farm until he began farming on his own. He purchased his first farm near Trosky, MN and lived there for a year. Upon being drafted into the army he sold the farm and had a farm sale. In 1942, Merle entered the United States Army and served during World War II in the Pacific including the Philippines and Japan. After his discharge in 1945, he returned to Lone Rock Township and began farming. On January 6, 1948, he was united in marriage to Eva Henry at St. Leo's in Pipestone, MN. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed in Lone Rock Township. In 1953, they moved to a farm in Burke Township, near Woodstock, Minnesota. They continued to farm there until retiring. Even after retirement, Merle continued to help his sons with the farm. Merle and Eva celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on January 6, 2008. On May 7, 2008, Merle and Eva moved to Falls Landing Assisted Living in Pipestone, MN. Eva preceded him in death on July 7, 2008. Merle continued to live at Falls Landing until entering the hospital on Thursday, January 9, 2014. He passed away on January 14, 2014 at the Hospice House in Pipestone, MN, at 100 years, 3 months, and 19 days of age.

In July of 2013, a large family reunion was held to celebrate his 100th birthday. All of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins were there to help him celebrate. It was a wonderful highlight for Merle to be able to spend that day with all those he loved so much. He treasured the family photos taken that day.

Merle was a member of the Marion Synhorst Post 120 of the American Legion in Woodstock until it disbanded. He was a long-time member of the National Farmers Organization and served them in many capacities. He and Eva also belonged to the Woodstock Senior Citizens where they enjoyed their many friends and playing cards together. Merle was an avid cribbage and pinochle player. He always enjoyed challenging others to a game of cards. Throughout his life, he was a voracious reader and enjoyed doing carpentry work.

He is lovingly remembered by his four children: Lawrence (Larry) Fenicle and his wife Rosann of Woodstock; Dennis Fenicle and his wife Jane of Ruthton; Wayne Fenicle and his wife Elaine of Pipestone; and Eileen Pinedo and her husband David of Fort Collins, CO; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and two-step great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Leola Fenicle along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva; parents, Charles and Eva; his step-mother, Iva; two brothers, Harry and Dale; a great-granddaughter, Courtney Jo Ellefson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Fenicle; and niece, Delores Moreland.