Harry Martin Merlak, age 97, of Jordan passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the VA Nursing Home in Miles City.
Harry Martin Merlak was born at the Merlak homestead, one of a set of twin boys, to William and Louise Merlak on May 11, 1922. Harry was the younger twin but the biggest and it was the only time he was ever bigger than brother Billy. His mother said she didn’t even have enough diapers for one baby let alone two!
Harry attended grade school at Lone Tree in the Brusett area, moving to Michigan and attending the 8th grade, returning and attending high school at Garfield Co. High School, graduating in 1941. After graduating from high school he and twin brother Billy returned to the home place to farm and ranch, Harry enlisted in the U.S. Navy to go along with brother Billy who had been drafted. They served two years in the Navy in 1944 & 1945.
Following his military service, he returned to the Merlak Ranch to resume farming and ranching.
On May 7, 1966 he married Marian James in Jordan. They had one son Mark Benjamin who passed away on May 20, 1988.
Harry loved farming and continued farming into his 90’s. Harry also loved the Registered Hereford cattle they raised. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harry served on the Garfield County Fair Board and was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 7886 in Jordan. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Harry retired from the ranch in 1989, moved to Jordan where he worked for the Pioneer Garage running the Jordan Freight truck to Billings once a week and driving the Propane truck the rest of the time. He worked there for over 10 years and then had the pleasure of moving out with Craig Shawver from April until October or November (when the first snow came) and continued helping Craig farm and ranch for over 10 years. Craig leased the Merlak Ranch so Harry enjoyed doing all of the things he loved until he quit in 2015 because of a fall. Harry was able to stay at the CLC VA nursing home in Miles City for the last months of his life where he enjoyed excellent care and enjoyed getting acquainted with other service members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Bill, his son Mark, brothers-in-law Allen Barnes and Robert U. James. He is survived by his wife Marian, of 53 years, two sisters-in-law Karen Barnes and Beverly James and several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Military graveside services will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the VFW Post 7886 in Jordan, the Assembly of God Church in Jordan or the VA Nursing Home in Miles City.
Carol & Walter Nelson says
To all of Harry’s family and friends, our most sincere condolences are sent to you. We had the privilege of meeting Harry when he and my uncle initially shared a room at the HRH. We always enjoyed seeing Harry with the twinkle in his eyes and his soft spoken and gentle demeanor. Harry definitely touched our lives and good memories will live on. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Carol & Walter Nelson
Helena, MT
Cheri & Tim Hafla says
Marion,
Our deepest sympathy, we loved visiting with Harry, he was a great guy. Our thought and prayers are with you, may God wrap his arms around and help you through the hard times. Hugs
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry to hear about Harry prayers to the family God Bless.
Connie Blonigen says
Sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. My condolences to Marian and the rest of his family.
Ray Anderson says
7776 SW 5th Ave
Linda & Mike says
My thoughts and prayers for comfort are with you, Marian. Harry was a special person and now forever young and strong with his heavenly father.
Muff Engdahl says
Marion,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Harry was such a kind man, he will be missed by all the knew him.
Thomas F or Claudia Stanton says
Our Condolences to Marian and Families. Harry was a true Gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless,. Tom and Claudia
Teena Bollinger says
Our deepest sympathy on your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Barb Harbaugh Morgan says
Marian
So sorry. Harry was such a treasure and compassionate part of the community. My thoughts, memories and prayers are with you!
Love, Barbara Jo
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
So sorry Marian, he will be truly missed by all that knew him, Cherish all your memories. Sending you our love.
Marilyn Ballagh says
Marian, I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed listening to Harry and his stories. He was a fine man.
Robin Sainsbury says
Aunt Marian I am so sorry for your loss, we are all very blessed to have had Uncle Harry in our lives…may God embrace you and ease your sorrow.
Duane &Terri Jessen says
What a wonderful man he was while on this earth and Heaven has gained another angel. Harry was a very special man and we are so sorry for all of his family’s loss. He will be missed by so many people. He was one of the kindest and gentle person ever. Rest in peace Harry.
Janet and Edwin Clark says
Marion and family, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are for comfort and peace through your memories. It was a life well lived.
Lorraine Jarden says
P.O. Box 1733
Apt. 2
Lorraine Jarden says
Marian,My heart goes out to you dear friend, Please know that I would be there for you if I could. I know you have many friends around you and that makes me feel better, may the Lord give you all you need at this time and also in the coming days, Harry was a dear man and will be missed by many,May you always remember that you are a very special person and the good Lord will send special angels to hover over you. Love and hugs,Lorraine
Mike and Kathy Benson says
Marian and family, so sorry to hear about Harry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Sally Ross says
I’d be there with you if I could, Marion. May the Holy Spirit give you strength and comfort.
Dee McCants says
Marion, So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. Prayers for you and your family. God Bless You. From Roberta and Dee.
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our most heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort for Marian and all of the family who mean so much to Marion and Harry. Harry will be so very much missed by all who knew him. He was a quiet, dedicated, hard working man of his word and always a gentleman. May happy memories bring comfort and may our Lord walk with you during difficult times.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending Condolences ,Prayers , Love and Hugs To Marion. Sorry we were unable to attend the service. Harry will be Missed by all who knew him . He was such a caring and soft spoken man . May you find Comfort in all of your Memories and in Gods Love . If we can help in any way please let us know May God Bless You.
John and Lillian Loomis says
We are so sorry about Harry’s passing, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him! He is in heaven smiling down .He was a great example of a Christian! Cherish all the memories. (Hugs)
Daryl says
To the family and friends of Mr. Merlak always cherish the fond memories of time spent together and although you may grieve the Bible can be a source of comfort. At (Revelation 21:3,4) it speaks of a time when there will be no more sickness or death, also at (Acts 24:15) it speaks of a resurrection that we all can look forward to. May the peace and love of the God of all comfort be with you all.