Merle D. Woolhiser, age 74, passed on July 7, 2008, at his residence in Hot Springs, SD.

Merle, the youngest of eight, was born to Milton and Carolyn (Baker) Woolhiser on August 15, 1933 in Colome, SD. He attended and graduated from Colome High School. He entered the US Army where he served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and retired after 22 years of service to his country. Following his tour of duty, he moved to Hot Springs where he resided until his death.

Merle was married to Shirley Hestad in 1967 in CA. Shirley passed in 1979 and was buried in Colome, SD. Merle was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran church in Colome and faithfully attended the church services at the VA facility. He was a Life Member of the Winner Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Colome American Legion.

Merle is survived by his four sisters, Emily Edwards of Woodburn, OR; Inez Woolhiser and Helen (Ray) Totton, both of Winner, SD; and Ruth (Francis) Wilke of Stanley, ND as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Merle will be held Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Chaplain Loyd Nielson officiating. Interment will be held 3:00 p.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eleanor Hammond, two brothers, Glen and Linden who was KIA in WWII in Italy.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.