Merle D. Lantz, 89, of Monroe Center, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016 at his residence. Merle was born September 23, 1926 in Letcher, SD, the son of Omer And Agnes (Dodd) Lantz. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Adee on March 1, 1947 in Monroe Center. Merle proudly served his country in the Army Air Forces during World War II. Merle was a member of the V.F.W. Belvidere Post, Holcomb Masonic Lodge #505, Freeport Consistory, and the Tebala Shriners. He was a charter member of the Monroe Center Lions Club and a member of the Rockford Model A Club. Merle was a lifelong active member of the Monroe Center Community Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Darrell (Hazel) Lantz and grandson, Christopher Lantz.

Merle is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley; a son, Gordon Lantz of Rockford; a daughter, Rhonda (Larry) Vail of Houston, TX; three grandchildren; Brandon, Brett and Cameron Vail; four great-grandchildren: Anna, Owen, Marcy and Samuel Vail; and brother, Lolan (Wava) Lantz of Monroe Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M., Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., in Rochelle. A Masonic service will take place at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the Monroe Center Community Church, 102 West St., Monroe Center with Pastor Bob Mellon officiating. Interment will follow in Monroe Center Cemetery. Military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe Center Community Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.