Merlin Rieck, age 87, of Mitchell and formerly of Huron/Iroquois, passed away November 20, 2019 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron with military honors by Iroquois American Legion. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Iroquois. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Merlin D. Rieck was born on October 17, 1932 to parents Henry F.W. and Marie Margaret (Asmus) Rieck in Iroquois, South Dakota. Merlin was one of 5 children. The family lived in or near Huron the major part of his life. Merlin graduated from Iroquois High School in 1950 and attended and graduated from Mitchell Business College in 1951. Merlin joined the United States Marine Corp in May of 1951 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in May of 1954.

Merlin married Norma Spain on April 3, 1955, two children were born to this union, Michael (Elaine) and Karen (Arland) Mastel. A child, Marcus, was born during a previous marriage.

Merlin worked for Armour and Company from 1956 until it was purchased by Swift, where he retired in 1994.

Merlin enjoyed teaching Sunday School, square dancing, playing cards, and going on walks and selling Mastel's onion rings. He loved watching his kids play sports and spending time with family and friends. Merlin was a 60-year member of American Legion Post 280, member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, Central Dakota Marine Corps League and a Lay Representative for LCMS.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Melvin and Edwin; and two sisters Margaret and Doris.

Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife Norma of Mitchell; children, Mike (Elaine) Rieck of Harrisburg, SD, Karen (Arland) Mastel of Wallace, SD and Marcus Rieck of Seattle, WA; 6 grandchildren, Patrick Rieck, Matthew Rieck, Ray Mastel, Neal (Kendra) Mastel, Michelle Mastel, and Katie Mastel; and 5 great-grandchildren.