Merle Holden, 87, of Winner, formerly of Colome, SD passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.  Funeral services are pending.

Merle Holden was born in Colome, SD on May 30, 1938, to Thomas and Selma Holden.  For most of his youth he lived south of Winner/Colome in McNealy Township.  His time in the McNealy school and later Winner HS gave him the needed background to qualify for service in the US Air Force where he served as a Jet Aircraft Mechanic.  Upon the end of his military service, Merle attended Springfield College and then Black Hills State University (BHSU) where he earned a degree in Industrial Electrical Engineering with a minor in Math.

Between attending Springfield College and BHSU, Merle met the love of his life Gloria Meyer. In September of 1967 they became man and wife. In 1973 Merle and Gloria were blessed with their eldest daughter, Anji. In 1978 they were blessed with a second daughter Kristi.  Merle was a wonderful provider for his family and enjoyed spending time supporting both of his daughters during their school related activities.  Merle frequently enjoyed hearing his ladies sing together during church and frequently praised them.

Merle worked for the Rural Electric  Cooperatives (REC) in various positions including Office Manager and General Manager.  This work took the family to Wall then Custer in South Dakota, Finley in North Dakota, and finally Westby in Wisconsin.  While working his various positions Merle always felt volunteering was important as a way to assist within the community beyond the REC.  Merle assisted in starting an ambulance service in Custer.  He was on various ambulance and hospital boards and assisted with housing in the community projects both in North Dakota and in Wisconsin.

Upon retiring from the REC, Merle and Gloria returned to their home in Custer before deciding to move closer to family, the Holden family farm.  Not one to sit idle, Merle started a second career as a Real Estate Appraiser that kept him busy and active within the community.  He  was an avid gardener frequently producing more than the couple could consume.  Excess fresh produce was donated to local assisted living facilities, friends and neighbors.  He also became a member of the Colome Legion.

Upon retiring from appraisal work, Merle and Gloria moved to Custer to be closer to their daughter Anji and her family.  This created a homesickness they had not anticipated. In 2022, Merle and Gloria sold the house in Custer and returned to the Winner area purchasing a home within the city limits where they have lived until present.

Merle was preceded in death by both of his parents, Thomas and Selma Holden, and his youngest brother Roger Holden.  Merle is survived by his wife Gloria, his daughters Anji and her husband Norman Thornton, Kristi Holden and her husband Andrew Perodeau, his elder sister Donna and her husband Derald Shippy , his younger brother Duane Holden and his wife Rita.  He is also survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandson.