Merl J. Gelarden, 97, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 17, 2020.
He was born in Tell City on July 23, 1923, son of the late Elmer and Nora (Goffinet) Gelarden.
Merl was a WWII U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 1172.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and playing euchre. He loved to spend time with his wife, Irene, and visiting family and friends.
Surviving are his children, Ella Rose “Rosie” Scott of Fulda, Susan Carpenter (Devin) of Ferdinand, Mary Jo Waninger (Larry) of St. Meinrad, David Gelarden (Jody) of Cannelton, Stephen “Buck” Gelarden of Troy, John Gelarden of Tell City, Pat Gelarden (Sheila Neyenhaus) of Cloverport and Phil Gelarden (Cathy) of Cannelton; a brother, Ernie Gelarden of Capac, MI; 28 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary “Irene” (Hagedorn) Gelarden, in 2015 and his twin brother, Earl Gelarden.
A Mass of Christian burial for Merl Gelarden will be held privately for his family, at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 124. Rev. Luke Waugh will officiate. Family visitation will be private. Huber Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore Catholic Church. Condolences may be left at www.huberfuneralhome.net.
