Merle D. Jurgensen, 79, died February 15, 2013 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born November 17, 1933 at Great Bend, the son of Ed and Lena (Katzmaier) Jurgensen. He married Almeda Herl May 5, 1953 at Great Bend. A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Mr. Jurgensen worked in construction for Lindholm Construction, Jurgensen Construction, and C. V. Cale. Mr. Jurgensen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He participated in fast-pitch softball, playing for the U. S. Army fast-pitch team while stationed in Japan. Survivors include his wife, Almeda Jurgensen, of the home; three sons: Eddie Jay Jurgensen and his wife Cindy, Great Bend; Bradley Dean Jurgensen and his significant other Lisa Garland, Leavenworth, Kansas; and Brett Lane Jurgensen and his wife Pricella "Zoe" of Victorville, California; eleven grandchildren: Brandi Scheck, Chelsea Hartshorn, Kyla Jurgensen, Katelyn Jurgensen, Andrew Jurgensen, Drew Jurgensen, Hannah Jurgensen, Hayley Jurgensen, Tara Jurgensen, Cody Jurgensen, and Sherri Basgall; and four great-grandchildren: Korbin Scheck, Conner Scheck, Parker Scheck, and Piper Scheck. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Edward Jurgensen, Donald Jurgensen, Leonard Jurgensen, and Morris Jurgensen; and four sisters, Edna Orebaugh, Alverna Holopirek, Loretta Jurgensen, and Lois Jurgensen. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at Bryant Funeral Home with the Reverend William F. Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery North with military rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2013 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Alzheimer's Association or Harden Hospice or American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home.