Merle William Krout

Merle William Krout was born on February 12, 1941 to John William and Ann Mary (Gstohl) Krout in Storm Lake, Iowa. He departed this life to begin his eternal life in Heaven on November 27, 2009. He passed away surrounded by his loving family at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls due to complications of a stroke he had on November 22nd. He was baptized January 23, 1949 at Marathon, Iowa and confirmed on June 9, 1957 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Lake Park. He graduated from Lake Park Community High School in 1960. He was married September 30, 1967 to Cynthia Clark. To this union one daughter was born, Amy Marie on October 8, 1969. Amy was the pride and joy of Merle's life. He married Sandy Smith on November 23, 1990. They enjoyed life together to the fullest and loved spending time with all of their supportive family and many wonderful friends. They enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Florida to see Amy and Gabe. Merle was an avid hunter and fisherman all of his life, learning to fish as a young boy. In more recent years he enjoyed fishing trips to Chamberlain South Dakota. Merle worked as Parts Manager at Burns Motor Company for 26 years and then worked for Crystal Tips and Polaris Inc until he was disabled in 2003. His work ethic was admirable, and he reluctantly gave up his job at Polaris. He contracted Type I diabetes when he was 13 years old and overcame many complications of the disease throughout his lifetime. He was a true warrior on every level and fought his battles with courage and bravery. He is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Amy and son-in-law Gabriel Horn of St. Petersburg, Florida, brother Roger of Arnold, Nebraska, brother-in-law Warren Stinar (Joyce) of Estherville, and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents. His family and friends will miss his companionship, his humor and wit and his compassionate heart. Blessed be the memory of Merle William Krout.