Merwin C. Ames, 93, of Redfield, SD, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. His funeral will be Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational UCC Church in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Merwin was born August 6, 1921 near Burdette, SD to Jay and Clara (Tasche) Ames. Merwin was well known for playing his accordion and providing music. He played at Oktoberfest in Huron for over sixty years. Merwin was in the Tommy Fitzgivings Band for many years, playing all over north central South Dakota. In his later years, Merwin played at many of the nursing homes in the Redfield and Huron area.

Merwin married Evelyn Hansen on February 17, 1941. They farmed southeast of Redfield for many years before moving to Redfield in 1976. Merwin also drove a mail truck and was a custodian at the Congregational-UCC Church for several years.

Merwin enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and got to see their new stadium, with his son, in 2011.

Merwin is survived by his son Gary (Lois) Ames of Rapid City, SD and his daughter Linda Eckstrom of Yankton, SD; seven grandchildren: Sandy Eslinger, Michael (Jennifer) Ames, Robin (Tony) Pigsley, Lorri (Jay) Nooney, James Olson, Kerri Olson and Dwan Greenwaldt, fourteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Lester of Spokane, WA and his sister Phyllis Stemper.

He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn in 2009, two brothers: Earl and Manley, two great grandchildren and his son-in-law Charles Eckstrom.