Merle D. Heldt

Heldt,  Merle  D.
7/26/1933 - 7/10/2023

Merle Dean Heldt was born on July 26,1933 in Wahoo, Nebraska to Clarence and Irene Heldt. He grew up in Yutan, Nebraska, where he graduated from Yutan High School. He also attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 

Merle was a talented baseball player. He played shortstop and was scouted by many major league teams. However, his country called and he was drafted into the Army. He served during the Korean War. 

After his service, he was a farmer and a thoroughbred horse trainer. He loved working the land on the family farm and had great success as a horse trainer.

He was a family man who loved his wife, son, daughter and five grandchildren. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing to Elvis music and celebrating holidays with his loved ones. Merle will be missed tremendously by all those who knew him. 

Merle married Marilyn (Markmann) Heldt, the love of his life, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Benson on May 9, 1953. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 9, 2023.

Merle passed away peacefully, on July 10, 2023 at the age of 89 years, 16 days before his 90th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Irene Heldt, and brothers Larry and Don.

Merle is survived by his wife, Marilyn. His son, Derron (Christine) and his daughter, Kristie. Five grandchildren; Andrew Heldt , Bradley Heldt (Kenzie), Emma Heldt (Adam Foster, fiancé), Jacob Hytrek and Sarah Hytrek. His siblings; brother, Lonnie Heldt (Shirley) of Elkhorn, sister, Karen Williams (Gaylord) of Omaha. And sister-in-laws; Norma Heldt of Yutan and Nancy Heldt of Yutan. And many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation Thursday 5-7 PM at Roeder Mortuary 108th St. Chapel; Service 10:30 AM Friday (7/14/2023) at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N. 108th St. Omaha, NE; Interment Mount Hope Cemetery Omaha, NE.

Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association or charity of choice.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel
2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000
www.RoederMortuary.com