Merlin Louis Reith

Rev. Merlin Reith was born December 19, 1938 in Palmer, Kansas, the only child of Louis and Meta (nee: Conrad) Reith. He was received into the life of Christ in Holy Baptism on December 26, 1938 at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer and later confirmed his faith in his Savior at the same church on March 28, 1951. Merlin attended elementary and secondary school in Linn, Kansas, graduating in 1956. Following high school, Merlin attended St. John’s College in Winfield, KS (1956-58) and Concordia Sr. College in Ft. Wayne, IN (1958-60). In preparation for the holy ministry, Merlin entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO in 1960 and graduated with the sem Class of 1964. He served 6 parishes in his lifelong ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod: Messiah, St. Louis, MO (1964-68); Trinity, Port Edwards, WI (1968-74); Trinity, Garden City, KS (1974-81); Faith, Lincoln NE (1981-85); Zion (West), Omaha, NE (1985-92); and St. Paul, Phoenix, AZ (1992-2004). In retirement, Merlin also offered pastoral assistance to several churches in western Iowa. Throughout his ministry, Merlin served the church-at large in several capacities including speaker of The Lutheran Hour for 3 Sundays in 1980; Chairman of the Kansas District Circuit Counselors (1974-82); a member of the Kansas District Board of Directors; and a charter member of the Association of Family Life professionals, having studied under Dr. Carl Menninger at the Menninger Institute in Topeka, KS. Following the passing of Merlin’s wife Eunice (nee: Hopmann), the Lord united Merlin and Marjorie (nee: Madej) in marriage on June 3, 2000. Merlin and Margie enjoyed their retirement years together in Arizona, and in Omaha and Blair, NE. After several years of failing health, the Lord called Merlin to his heavenly home on July 21, 2023 in Blair, NE having been blessed with 84 years, 7 months, and 2 days of life. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, and a previous wife Eunice. He is survived by his wife Marjorie of Blair, NE; a son Neil (Sun Lakes, AZ); a daughter Sheila Franks (Lochbuie, CO) and granddaughter Meta; 3 stepsons Marc (Molly) Logemann of Washington, NE; Paul (Wissanee) Logemann of Bancroft, NE; and Ryan (Kristi) Logemann of West Point, NE; a step daughter Lori (Ryan) Wachter of Earlham, IA; and ten step grandchildren Kaylin, Haylee, Schuyler, Angel, Ryder, Asher, Boston, Baylor, Brigham, and Indy. Funeral services will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Gretna, NE on Monday, July 31, 2023 beginning with visitation with family starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Christian burial is at Calvary Cemetery in Omaha. Condolences may be sent to Margie Reith at Shepherd’s Village, Apt. 203, 2290 Wright Street in Blair, NE 68008. Memorials to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (11204 S 204th St, Gretna, NE 68028) or Good Shepherd Lutheran Home (2290 Wright Street, Blair, NE 68008).

Merlin Louis Reith

December 19, 1938 - July 21, 2023