Merle Clarence Koth, 80, of Filion, was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, with his family at his side at Huron Medical Center, Bad Axe, Michigan. Merle was born on November 17, 1932, at his home in Lincoln Township, son of Clarence and Gertrude (Hass) Koth. He married Geraldine Koglin on May 21, 1961, at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Hope, Michigan.
He graduated from Kinde High School in 1950. Merle was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Kinde, Michigan, where he held various offices. He served on the Michigan Animal Breeders Cooperative Board of Directors, Farmer's Cooperative Grain Company of Kinde Board of Directors, Huron Township Board of Review for 30 years, and was a Michigan Milk Producers Association District Delegate. He was a member of the Tip of The Thumb Dancers for over 20 years.
He loved his lifetime of farming. He enjoyed fox and coyote hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Merle is survived by his wife, Geraldine; three daughters, Barbara Schuh of Harbor Beach, Joan (Mark) Manenti of Bad Axe, Linda (Leslie Jr.) Weiss of Port Hope; one son, Donald (Kelli) Koth of Filion; 11 grandchildren, Aaron and Jessica Schuh, Jason, Bradley and Jamie Iskow, Steven, Jennifer and Joseph Weiss, Noah, Dana and Sara Koth; two step-grandchildren Aaron and Nikki Manenti; one step-great-granddaughter, Kaylee Manenti; one sister, Elaine Koglin of Port Hope; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, James Koth; one infant granddaughter, Katelyn Koth; his parents, Clarence and Gertrude Koth; and several brothers-in-law and nephews.
Funeral services for Merle will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Kinde, with Pastor Larry K. Loree, Sr. officiating. Burial will take place at Zion - St. Peter Cemetery.
Visitation for Merle will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday at Gage Chapel of Mac Alpine Funeral Home in Kinde and at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A prayer and scripture service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Kinde, Michigan.Condolences may be shared at macalpinefuneralhome.com