Merle John Baldwin, 94

Merle passed on March 19, 2018.

He left a far-reaching legacy and will be greatly missed. We love you.

Merle was born to Edmond and Bretta on May 10, 1923 in Simpson, Montana. Merle had four brothers and two sisters; the family moved to Flathead Valley in 1928. As a young boy, Merle learned to farm alongside his father. He attended Egan school during his elementary years and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1942.

Merle met his wife Emogean at a barn dance, and the couple eventually married on Nov. 20, 1946, during a memorable blizzard. In 1956 Merle and Emogean purchased his father’s farm. Merle spent many years farming this land and proudly leaves behind the land that he loved and tended to, hoping it remains farmland for future generations to appreciate. Merle spent 23 years working for the Cenex Farm Store as a means of purchasing the farm and supporting his family. He found meaning in being involved with his community and spent six years as a part of the Egan school board, and eight years as a charter member with the Creston Fire Department. Merle and Emogean lovingly raised four children together.

Merle is survived by his wife, Emogean; his children, Karen and husband Fonda, Norm and wife Laurie, Marilyn and husband Ed, and Barb and husband Duane; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 26, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The family ask that memorials be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell or the charity of their choice.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.