enjoyed his family, water skiing, reading Western books, taking care of his livestock, antique tractor rides, and fishing trips to Thunder Bay, Canada. He was a member of Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church and the Britt American Legion. Merle is survived by his children, Kevin (Patti) Muhm of LeMars, Paulette (Kevin) Westerberg of West Frankfurt, IL, Brad (Sonja) Muhm of Miller and Brian Muhm of Janesville, WI; four grandchildren, Jill(Randy) Lindhorst, Tony Muhm, Eric Muhm and John Westerberg; three great-grandchildren, Dana Westerberg, Adonis Westerberg and Kendall Lindhorst; a sister, Pat Eggers of Sparta, WI; two brothers, Bob (Janet) Muhm of Cherry Hill, NJ and John (Joyce) Muhm of Bourbannais, IL; two sisters-in-law, Kay (Ben) Benjamin of Coppell, TX and Joann Muhm of West Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lola, Dec. 25, 2006; parents; sister, Carole Cassel; and two brothers, Ralph and Don Muhm.