Tell City, Indiana

 Merl J. Gelarden, 97, passed away after a brief illness, on September 17, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.

 He was born in Tell City, Indiana on July 23, 1923, son of the late Elmer and Nora (Goffinet) Gelarden.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary “Irene” (Hagedorn) Gelarden in 2015 and his twin brother, Earl Gelarden.

 Merl was a WWII Army Air Corp. veteran.  He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 1172.

 Merl enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and playing euchre.

He loved to spend time with his wife, Irene, visiting family and friends.

 Surviving are his children, Ella Rose “Rosie” Scott, Fulda, Susan Carpenter (Devin), Ferdinand, Mary Jo Waninger (Larry), St. Meinrad, David Gelarden (Jody), Cannelton, Stephen “Buck” Gelarden, Troy, John Gelarden, Tell City, Pat Gelarden (Sheila Neyenhaus), Cloverport and Phil Gelarden (Cathy), Cannelton; a brother, Ernie Gelarden, Capac, MI; 28 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held, privately for his family, at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #124. Rev. Luke Waugh will officiate.  Family visitation will be private. Huber Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

 Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore Catholic Church.