Merle E. Berden

Merle Edward Berden, 74 of Cheboygan passed away peacefully Friday, August 12, 2016. He was born in Cheboygan on April 25, 1942 to David and Genevieve (Major) Berden.

He attended Cheboygan Catholic High School. In his life time he worked for GM Truck and Coach, owned Merle’s Gulf (gas station) in Commerce Twp. After moving back to Cheboygan in 1972, he opened and operated Merle’s Lockshop. In 1991, he proudly graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering, then changing the business name to Merle’s Lock & Auctioneering Service.

Merle won the Gaylord Alpenfest yodeling contest several years in a row and always had a great time participating in it. His distinctive laugh recognized before his entrance to a room will be fondly remembered.

He had a big heart and always had open doors to his home for people that needed help. He was a well-liked, friendly person who was well known throughout the community and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children, Mary (Kris) Arnold of Wayland, Steven (Cathy) Berden of Cheboygan, Dawn Korhorn of Coopersville, Lona (Ron) Clairmont of Shelbyville, Robin (Jim) Blakely of Wayland, Rance Corrigan of Moran & Robert Corrigan of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Alyssa (Steve), Tyler, Ashley, Heather, Elizabeth (Christopher), Emily, and Eric; great-grandchildren, Landen, Leland, Samuel, Abigale, Ellie, Kyliegh, Oakley, Andrew and Ryan; sister, Carol LaCross of Burton; brothers-in-law,  Floyd Hart of Mancelona and Robert (Kathy) Kroupa of Indian River; numerous nieces, nephews; former wife, Sandy Beatty; childhood pal, Jack Deloy and many other dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma in 1985; his parents and 8 siblings, Virginia (Gil) Neisen, David known as Bud (Doris), George (Gloria), Fredrick known as Cle (Doris), Robert (Joyce), Richard known as Dick (Bernetta), Marlene Hart and Marvel Corrigan.

A funeral mass will take place at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 27th, 2016 at St. Mary – St. Charles Catholic Church in Cheboygan, MI. A luncheon will follow at the Eagles Lodge in Cheboygan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to his family through the funeral home, P.O. Box 249, Gaylord MI 49734. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com