Merle D. Merenz

Retired concrete master and Navy Veteran Merle D. Merenz died early Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Park Place in Great Falls, Montana. Merle was born on September 21, 1954, in Great Falls, Montana. Merle joined the US Navy soon after graduating from Fairfield High School in 1972. He was an editor of the newspaper aboard the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier, his active-duty station. Merle was very proud of his ability to type 80 wpm on an old electric typewriter. Additionally, Merle was proud of the fact that he and his older brother Joe were stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk on the same Indian Ocean tour at the end of the Vietnam War.

Merle and Joe sponsored their two younger brothers (Glenn & Max) on the very first “Operation Tiger” tour during the summer of 1974. Operation Tiger is a recruiting mission. Male members of a sailor’s family could ride on the Kitty Hawk from Honolulu to San Diego, eleven days at sea. To this day, Operation Tiger is the greatest trip that four bothers could ask for!

Merle became an obsessive and talented paddle fisherman. He lived for the 2nd week of May for paddle fishing at Robertson Bridge with friends and family.

He was proud to teach his nephew, Jason DeJean and great-nephew, Dillon DeJean his concrete abilities and his close relationship with both of them.

At the end of his Indian Ocean tour in 1975, Merle relocated back to Great Falls, Montana. Merle married Gayle (Schmidt) Starkey in 1975 and relocated to Missoula, Montana where they resided for many years. They had two daughters, Kelly Benson and Katie Ayres prior to divorcing in 1988.

Merle’s inactive and reserve service obligation ended in August of 1978.

Merle was preceded in death by daughter, Katie Lorraine Ayers; sister, Michelle Merenz Price; brother, Richard Joe Merenz; father, Richard John Merenz.

Survivors include his long-term partner, Hallie McWilliams of Black Eagle; her son, Chris McWilliams (Amy Sewell) of Great Falls; daughter, Kelly Benson of Missoula; grandsons, Jaia Benson, Manhattan, New York; Jaylen Somma, of Missoula; granddaughters, Brooklyn Somma of Clinton; Lilly Ayers of Marietta, Georgia; Grace Ayers of Marietta, Georgia; mother, Sarah (Cobb) Merenz of Great Falls; sisters, Yvonne Hunnewell (Russ) of Great Falls, Melody Otness (Darrel) of Pasco, Washington; brothers, Glenn Merenz (Janet) of Dillion, Montana, Max Merenz (Shannon) of Great Falls, Montana; many nieces and nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews. Merle was a great storyteller to all of them.

Graveside services and a celebration of life are tentatively planned for March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery, to follow with an open house at the home of Max and Shannon Merenz. Cremation is under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Anchors Away Merle.

Friend to many.