Funeral Service for Merlin L. Mortinson age 78 of Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh, Nebraska. Burial will be in Danish Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Neligh American Legion Post #172 and VFW #5287. Visitation will be an hour before service at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh. Snider Memorial Funeral Home of Plainview is handling the arrangements. Merlin passed away December 31, 2025 at Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk, Nebraska. Condolences may be left at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com

Merlin Leon Mortinson was born on August 1, 1947 in Tilden, Nebraska to Melvin and Alma (Mueller) Mortinson. He attended District 64 country school and graduated with the Class of 1965 from Plainview High School in Plainview, Nebraska. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy on March 2, 1966 where he served both at home and abroad, with several deployments in the Indian Ocean. After an honorable discharge from the service on November 28, 1969. Merlin returned home to work on the family farm five miles southwest of Plainview, raising crops, cattle and hogs. In 2008, he sold the farm and bought a house in Neligh, Nebraska. In September of 2023, Merlin moved into the Norfolk Veterans Home, where he enjoyed the company o the residents and staff. He was so thankful for the great care, activities and food that he received while there.

Throughout his life, Merlin enjoyed going to all different kinds of livestock and personal auctions and was always looking for a good deal, special items or antiques. But most of all, he enjoyed visiting with people. He “never met a stranger” and would talk with anyone for as long as they cared to listen! He loved telling stories about his farm/life experiences and was always willing to share his deep faith in the Lord with others. He was soft-spoken, humble and generous with a sense of humor and smile that you couldn’t forget. He started a scholarship at Midland University to help students who need tuition assistance. A long-time donor to the Orphan Grain Train, Mosiac and others, he always supported faith-based charities that help those in need. Merlin was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Plainview and later Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh, serving on various church boards and for the Neligh Senior Center. He was also an active and proud member of the Plainview and Neligh American Legion Posts and VFW.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents and his half-brother Ronnie Siems. He is survived by a few cousins and the many friends and acquaintances that he made over the years.

Source: https://www.snidermemorialfh.com/obituaries/merlin-mortinson