Merle E. Wehr, age 73, of Waterville, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Central Health Care in Le Center.

Born on Oct. 16, 1932, in Worthington, he was the son of Rudy and Delores (Cortright) Wehr. He attended school in Worthington and served in the U.S. Marines Corps during the Korean War. During his service he received the Good Conduct Medal, Korean War Service Medal, Korean PUC, National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal before his honorable discharge in 1954. Merle married Arlene Drinken on April 9, 1955, in Waterville. He was employed with Coca Cola Bottling Co. for five years before working for the State of Minnesota as a weigh master for 31 years. Following his retirement, Merle and Arlene spent time traveling before recently moving to Waterville. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, farming, camping and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Elysian American Legion and Albert Lea VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Waterville; eight children, Debra and Richard Bergquist of Maple Plain, Larry and Rosie Wehr of Virginia Beach, Va., Harry and Ellen Wehr of Neosho, Wis., Dennis and Sue Wehr of Waterville, Terry Wehr and special friend Debbie of Eagle Lake, Jeff Wehr and special friend Pam of Mountain Lake, Rodney Wehr and special friend Tonja of Austin and Timothy Wehr from Iraq; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Doug and Jeannie Wehr of Worthington, and one sister, Cheryl and Carl Heitcamp of Adrian. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, two children and two grandchildren.

Visitation was held at the Prosch-Dennis Funeral Home in Waterville on Thursday, June 1, 2006. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.