For those unable to attend the service, livestream will be available. The Jaack family wishes to express their understanding and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time.

Merle Marvin Jaacks, 76, of Flandreau passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021 surrounded by his family.  Merle was born August 1, 1945 in Pipestone, MN to Emil & Martha (Clark) Jaacks and was the youngest of 5 children.  In 1949, Merle's family moved to the home place near Aurora, SD where he grew up.  Merle attended Parnell Country School through the 8 ^th Grade and graduated from Elkton High School in 1963.  Shortly after high school, he served his country by enlisting in the Army Reserves as part of the Brookings Transportation Unit and was a qualified sharpshooter.

Merle met Rosemary (Hanson) in Flandreau, SD and they were united in marriage on December 3, 1966. They had 8 children and made their home on his grandfather's farm near Flandreau where they continue to live today. "The Farm" is where most holidays, birthdays, and Sunday suppers take place. His family has been his greatest pride and joy. The grandkids knew they could always get a ride from grandpa whether it was in his semi-truck, tractors, or on a horse.  He enjoyed his time with them more than the kids will ever know.

Merle farmed in the early years, then worked at Ross Service in Colman until 1978 when he started driving truck for Coast to Coast. This started his love for traveling and he continued trucking for the next 40 years until his retirement from Arlin Curtis Trucking in 2018. Even after retirement he continued to drive for Peper Farms.  He proudly drove, accident free throughout his career and made it to almost all the lower 48 states. He would often joke "These hands have driven over a million miles."

Merle and Rosemary enjoyed trips in their motorhome.  Some of their favorite places to go were the Black Hills, camping at Oakwood and the Pitzer Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska.  He enjoyed horse sales, trail rides, and camping with his family, including the annual Father's Day camping tradition that started over 50 years ago in Lake Benton, MN.  He also enjoyed the time he spent taking care of his cattle, horses, and his two dog companions Buster and Lincoln.  Along with his wife he enjoyed a strong walk with Jesus that they shared with their family. Merle and Rosemary served the Lord together in their family first but also as greeters at their church and he was an usher for many years.

Merle is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary of 55 years; 8 children, Troy (Terri), Flandreau; Bret (Ambuer), Flandreau; Gina (Scott) Zink, Brookings; Matt (Sandy), Spearfish; Wade (Jody) Elkton; Shawn (Marie), Aurora; Ryan (Dani), Aurora; and Kristina (Justin) Krull Flandreau; 32 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Shirley (Reynolds), Flandreau and Isabelle (Holter), Brookings.  Merle was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 brothers Harley & Vernie.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at GracePoint Wesleyan Church, Brookings, SD, with burial at Union Cemetery, Flandreau. Livestream will be available. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 pm.