Merle C Urness

Merle C. Urness, 83, of Gilmanton, WI died April 19th, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born to Knute and Luella Urness on July 18, 1939 at his grandparents’ house in Modena, WI.

Merle was raised on the family farm in the town of Canton, the 2nd youngest of 8 children.

He attended Mondovi High School. He started a career in construction. On February 25, 1961 he married the love of his life, Shirley Mae Everson in a ceremony at Drammen Lutheran Church. Merle and Shirley had 4 children, Tim, Michelle (Micci), Matt and Craig.

Soon after they married, they started farming near Gilman Valley eventually purchasing the farm where his current home is located. After farming for several years Merle and Shirley sold all but 5 acres of the farm.  In 2001 they built the home where Merle lived at the time of his passing. He returned to the workforce off the farm and worked for Blade Mill Works until he retired at age 77. 

Merle enjoyed pulling tractors, participating in tractor rides, attending events to watch his grandchildren. He adored his 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Merle also enjoyed spending time with his breakfast buddies at Donna Mae’s Panther Café.

Merle is survived by his 4 children, Tim (Ellen), Micci (Greg Weiss), Matt (Sherry), Craig (Tonia); grandchildren, Josh (Claire), Zack (Haley), Nick Urness, Derrick (Steph) Weiss, Ashley (Jordan) Bauer, Curtis, Lucas, Bryce, Alex, and Caitlyn Urness; great-grandchildren, Jade and Levi Urness, Rhett Bauer; siblings, Laverne (Dorothy) Urness, Mavis Erickson, Carol (John) Endle; sister-in-law, Darlene Urness; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; brothers, Ken, Duane, Russell, Leslie Urness; sisters-in-law, Carol Faye, Lela Urness; and brother-in-law, Dale Erickson.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi, WI. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, April 28th at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi, WI and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in the Riverside Lutheran Cemetery in Mondovi, WI.

To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merle C Urness, please visit our floral store.