Merle J. Eng, 100, formerly of Flandreau, died Saturday, July 9, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls. He was born February 1, 1911 in Flandreau, SD to Edwin and Inga (Ekern) Eng. He received his education in country schools in Moody County. During his early adult years his family moved to Garden City, SD, where he and his three brothers formed a band that performed in the area and on Watertown radio station KWAT. He later returned to Flandreau and after working various jobs, enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in July of 1934 and was assigned to the Black Hills area. On June 18, 1939 he married Hilda Bjerke. He went to work for the Farmer's Union Oil Station and on May 3, 1944, was drafted into the Army. Merle served with the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in North Africa and Italy, and was discharged in November of 1945. When he returned to civilian life he worked for 21 years for Willis Ellefson as a John Deere mechanic. He later worked for Schmidt Implement, Powers Oil Company and Julson Motors. In their retirement, Merle and Hilda moved to Sioux Falls. He enjoyed writing in his journal and for over 60 years made daily entries recording personal and world happenings. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the American Legion, V.F.W. and was a former member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Merle is survived by his wife of 72 years, Hilda, son Russell (Karen), daughter Margaret (Denny) Soderberg, son-in-law Jim (LaVaun) Childs, four grandchildren Steve (Bette) Childs, Kathy (Paul) Childs-Healey, Jon (Holly) Eng, and Chris (Sara) Eng, six great-grandchildren Matt and Sarah Childs, Samuel, Cameron, Matthew and Connor Eng, two step-great-grandsons Joe and Chris Healey, brother Lawrence, and sister Marlys Berkland. He was preceded in death by daughter Marlys, parents, three sisters Helen, Ella, and Edna and two brothers Casper and Robert.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2011 with the family present at 11:30 am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Flandreau, with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 pm Monday at Skroch Funeral Chapel.