Small Town News

Merle File

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Merle Lee File, son of John Henry and Lenore Elmira (Aurand) File, was born on August 26, 1928 in rural Jewell County and died August 22, 2010 at Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Nebraska at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 22 days.

Merle's early years were spent on the family farm. He attended Sinclair County Grade School and graduated from Lovewell High School in 1947.

On November 1, 1951, Merle was drafted into the U.S. Army and was sent to Korea where he served as a Tank Operator and was commander of the 72nd Division, Tank Battalion. He was released from active service on July 31, 1953, to the Army Reserves to complete his 8 years of service.

On February 9, 1952 he was united in marriage to Joan Faye McElroy in Jeffersonville, Indiana. To this union 5 children were born.

Merle was a member of the Superior Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and served on the Hardy Co-op Board and Rural Water District Board.

Merle farmed his whole life in Jewell and Republic counties, first with his father, on his own, and then later with his sons.

Merle was a jack-of-all-trades. Not having any money in the early years he learned to do all his own repairs and build whatever he needed. Whether it was a hog shed, kitchen cupboards, or any major repairs, he learned to do it all. For years his daughters relied on dad to fix and repair it; and he always found a way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David John in 1957 and two brothers: Kenneth and infant, Edsel.

He is survived by his wife of the home, Jody, four children: Jerry File, Courtland; Debra Foster and husband Jim of Mankato; Jim File, (Pat) Courtland; Sharon Kvasnicka' (Lane) Andover; eight grandchildren: six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held August 25 at Megrue-Price Funeral Home Chapel in Superior, with Todd Bradrick officiating. Interment with full Military Rites was in the Rosemound Cemetery, south of Hardy. Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of arrangements.

Final Harvest

He was bound to the land from the day of his birth

His roots anchored deep in the fertile earth

Nurtured, sustained, by the soil he grew

And his life, like his furrows, ran straight and true.

In faith each spring, he planted the seeds

In hope, to reap for his family's needs

With patience, he waited for the harvest to come

To gather the fruits of his labor home.

Ever turning seasons, the years sped fast

'Til the final harvest came at last

Then claimed anew by beloved sod

He gathered home to be with God.



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© 2011 The Courtland Journal Courtland, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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