Merlin R. Deppert

Merlin Russell Deppert, 90, of Pekin died at 11:55 pm Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at his home. He was born on January 31, 1920 in Groveland, Illinois to George W. and Minnie (Ringwald) Deppert. He married Viola Lomker on June 9, 1946 in Hastings, MN. Preceding in death are his parents, two brothers, Orville and Robert and one sister, Norma Freidinger. Surviving are: his wife, Viola of Pekin; three sons, Darrell (Victoria) Deppert of Kathmandu, Nepal and Boise, ID, Gregory (Taffany) Deppert of Cody, WY and Luke (Tara) Nguyen of Peoria, IL; one daughter, Debra (David) Reiland of Pocatello, ID; six grandchildren, Alexander and Oliver Deppert of Boise, ID, Katelyn and Kelsey Reiland of Pocatello, ID, Scout and Finley Nguyen of Peoria, IL; two step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren of Cody, WY. Merlin graduated from Pekin High School and attended Elmhurst College and Oklahoma A&M. He was a WW II Army Veteran attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a farmer and partner in George W. Deppert & Sons in Pekin for 49 years retiring in 1995. Merlin was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ where was a Sunday School teacher and served on the church council, member of the Churchmen's Brotherhood and was ticket chairman for the Pancake and Sausage Supper for many years. He also played on the church softball team and in the city league. Merlin was a 57 year member of William Schafer Post #44 American Legion, served as a Commissioner of Pekin - LaMarsh Drainage District. He also operated the pumps in the drainage district for 35 years. He served on the Board of Directors of Pekin Farmers Grain Elevator.