Frank Merchen was born July 5, 1935, in Murdo, SD, to James and Margret (Gibson) Merchen. Frank was the oldest of 10 children; 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Frank grew up in the Norris and Martin, SD, areas. He attended Bennett County High School. He excelled at playing football and track. Frank also loved to soup up cars for racing at the Martin Race Track. He did this with his brothers.
Frank graduated from Bennett County High School in 1955. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. Prior to working at Homestake Mine, he worked as a logger, ranch hand, and mechanic along with other job titles.
Frank met and married his wife, Betty Jean Smith, in 1962. They adopted Loren Merchen in 1967. They took in Klover and Marilyn Standing Bear in 1985. They also cared for Vivian Standing Bear in 1986.
Frank really enjoyed fishing, hunting, "mechanicing," playing cards, dancing, gardening, canning, and spending time with family and friends.
Frank Mathew Merchen, 83, Whitewood, died Sunday, August 19, 2018, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fort Meade.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Jean Merchen; son, Loren Merchen; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five brothers, Jim, Lynn, Clayton, Ralph and Lawrence Merchen; and two sisters, Margaret Pike and Kathy Merchen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Eldon; and one sister, Florence.
Visitation will be Friday, August 24, at 9:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastor Nick Haasch officiating. Burial will follow at the Whitewood Cemetery.

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