Merle C. Bargmann, 85, of North Platte, passed away peacefully May 24, 2017, at Linden Court.
He was born on the family farm near Bancroft, Nebraska on January 23, 1932 to Harry and Lida (Beal) Bargmann. They lived on the farm until 1937 when they moved into the town of Bancroft. At the age of 4, he began to follow his older brother, Lorne, to school. The teacher decided since he was there every day, he should begin his education. In high school, he participated in football and basketball and graduated in 1949. After various jobs, he began his career with the Nebraska Department of Roads in April of 1951. He worked in various places throughout the state until he was drafted in 1952, and entered the Army in January 1953. He attended basic training at Camp Polk, Lousiana. He served 17 months in Camp Saalfelden, located in the Austrian Alps. He was discharged in December of 1954. In January 1955, he married Marilyn M. Senden. They were blessed with three children. Merle resumed work with the Nebraska Department of Roads in the fall of 1955, where he worked out of Dist. 6, until retiring in February of 1997. He loved gardening, was an avid reader and especially loved hunting ducks at the Sutherland Reservoir with his good friends Earl and Sam. Merle had a love for life with a dry witty sense of humor. He was respected and well liked by friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Lorne and Arlan and a granddaughter, Jill.
He is survived by sons, Michael (Angie) Bargmann, Dennis Bargmann and daughter Beth Bargmann, all of North Platte; grandchildren Heidi (Josh) Gregg of York, Nebraska, Tracy (Kaily) Bargmann, Eric Bargmann, all of North Platte; Nathan (Stephanie) Bargmann of Soiux Falls, South Dakota; and great grandchildren, Kayley and Landen Gregg, Elyn and Alex Bargmann, Kayleb and Hallie of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and expected great granddaughter Rileigh Bargmann of North Platte.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude’s. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.