Merlin D. Grimm, 81, of Redfield, SD, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Avantara Care Center in Redfield, SD.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield.  Lunch and fellowship will follow the funeral service.  Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  ( www.hykefuneralhome.com ).

Merlin was born on December 21, 1940, in St. Lawrence, SD to Artie and Esther (Oman) Grimm.  He spent his childhood years on their family farm. He enjoyed playing basketball in high school where he was known for his 3 point shots.  After graduation, he went into the United States Army for a very short time until he was medically discharged.  He then went to work in the oil fields with his brother Trubert.  He left the oil fields after being injured and went to work for a local insulation company called Tri-State Insulation.  Merlin met the love of his life, Mary, and they were later married on April 25, 1971.  They ran Merlins Recreation, which was a pool hall for all ages in Miller, SD, for 13 years.  They moved to Redfield in 1981 and he worked at the Redfield State School as a house parent.  He worked there until he was injured and put on disability.

Merlin loved spending his days fishing at various fishing holes.  He would take Mary to work and then go fishing.  He enjoyed fishing all year round.  He loved sharing his fishing stories with his friends and family.  He also enjoyed taking the grandkids fishing when they came to visit.

Merlin is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary of Redfield.  Their children are Christine Drury of Cardington, OH,  Troy Grimm of Aberdeen, SD, and Amy Carter of Timnath, CO.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashlee and Ryan Drury, Wesley and Benjamin Grimm, Livia and Ashlyn Carter; and a brother Trubert Grimm of Basin, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Richard Grimm, and one grandchild, Lucas Grimm.