Merle Kenneth Radel was born October 6, 1923 near Clayton, SD at the farm of his parents, Emil and Anna (Wahl) Radel.  He was baptized and became a member of the Plum Creek Baptist Church.  He graduated from Emery High School in 1942.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 - 1946 and then returned home to the family farm.  On December, 16 1972 he married Delores Griebel.  They became members of the First Baptist Church in Emery. They farmed south of Emery until they retired in 2005 and moved to Sioux Falls.  

Merle enjoyed playing fast pitch softball for Clayton/Milltown, playing horse shoes and bowling.  He sang in the church choir and also was part of a quartet for many years.  He always had a smile on his face and was most willing to help his family, neighbors and friends. 

Merle is survived by his wife, Delores of Avera Prince of Peace Assisted Living, four children: Carol Schulte and husband Dennis, Steven Griebel and friend, Diana Camfield, Kim Brandenburg and husband Bill, Kevin Griebel and friend, Kristi Thorson all of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: Becky Lambert and husband Josh, Sioux Falls; Dr. Aaron Schulte, Eden Prairie, MN; Dr. Justin Schulte, Denver, CO; Nathan Schulte, Paige Brandenburg, Morgan Brandenburg, Sioux Falls; two great-grandchildren: Braidon and Kaylie Lambert, Sioux Falls; nephew, Terri Leischner and wife Kristi, Parkston and niece, JoAnn Snyder and husband Tim, Delta, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Milton, his sister Betty Leischner and husband John Leischner.