Passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Methodist Fremont Health
Merle and his twin brother Earl were born in Grand Island, Nebraska to Ernest and Elsie 'Whiteley' Gier on January 12, 1933. Merle graduated from Grand Island High School in 1951. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Nebraska State University at Kearney (UNK), Northern Colorado University at Greeley, and University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
He spent 4½ years in the United States Air Force and 19 years in the US Active Army Reserves, retiring in 1993 as Command Sergeant Major.
Merle married Norma Schou on December 27, 1966 in Fremont. He spent 34 years in the education field in the Fremont and Omaha Public School systems as a business/marketing teacher and supervisor. After that retirement he and his family moved to Southern Utah where they owned and operated a Merry Maids franchise in the St. George/Cedar City area. After selling the franchise they then returned to Fremont.
Merle is survived by his wife of 59 years, Norma, son Christopher, daughter Brittny and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Roy (Ilena) Gier, Wayne Gier, Vivian (Paul Schuman) Gier, Robert (Novelle) Gier, and Earl (Lois) Gier.
Merle was a member of the Fremont Presbyterian Church, and also belonged to the Fremont Cosmopolitan Club 100 and the Fremont Coin Club.
There is no viewing but the family will receive friends at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel on Wednesday August 27, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm. The Celebration of Life service will be 2pm, Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Fremont Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Program of America, Cosmopolitan 100 Club of Fremont or the Fremont Presbyterian Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(1)
Fremont High Class of 1959
Fremont, NE Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Norma an familyThoughts an Prayers are with all
during this difficult time.