Funeral Services for Merle Pease, age 80, of O'Neill will be 10:30 am Monday, October 18, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in O'Neill with Rev. Brian Loy officiating. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Merle passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Merle Walter Pease was born in O'Neill, NE on January 18, 1941 to Walter and Catherine (Cook) Pease. He graduated from O'Neill High School in 1959, where he was active in football and FFA. In 1962, Merle married Jean Martens in Yankton, South Dakota. They made their home South of Emmet. To this union, three children were born: Scott, Zane, and Clint. They later divorced.

Merle worked on his ranch his entire life. In 1975, he built a log home south of O'Neill. He enjoyed raising horses and cattle. His favorite time of year was the spring, when they took the cattle to pasture.

Merle had been a member of the Emmet School Board and Emmet Township Board. Later, he was a member of the Sandhill's Cattle Association Board of Directors and competed in many of their Carcass Contests.

Merle enjoyed fishing, especially trout fishing in Wyoming, and playing 10-point pitch.

Merle is survived by three sons, Scott Pease of Novelty, MO, Zane (Shannon) Pease of Stuart, NE, and Clint (Mary) Pease of Emmet, NE; five grandchildren, Shaleena (Sam) Elsberry, Cole Pease, Grant Pease (Mackenzy Bower), Jessica Pease (Dakota Divine), and Collin Weidner; 4 great grandchildren, Lane and Cabela Murray, Teegen Tim, Rip Elsberry, and Kasey Hiatt; sister, Rita Gallagher of Cairo, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Faith; and brothers-in-law, Terry Gallagher and LeRoy Faith.