Click Here to Listen LIVE to

Kenneth "Merle" Nyhoff, 97

Kenneth "Merle" Nyhoff went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 23, 2026, just 5 days before his 98th birthday. Merle was born in the small Dutch town of Dispatch, Kansas on February 28, 1928, to George and Sarah (Ramaker) Nyhoff. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Rose (Koops) of Downs, Kansas. They celebrated life together for 73 years.

Merle attended Athens High School for one year, then the school closed and he graduated from Downs High School in 1946. He worked for the Rotman's and other local farmers after graduation and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1950 as the Korean War began. He served as a mechanic on airplanes and other motorized military vehicles. In the summer of 1952 while on leave, he married his High School sweetheart, Rose Koops. They were married in Rose's parents' home on Ross Street, the same house Merle and Rose resided at the time of his passing.

After marrying, the couple moved to San Jose, California where Merle was stationed. After his service was completed, they moved to Denver, Colorado. Merle worked as a carpenter and construction supervisor, until he and Rose moved back to Downs, Kansas (Ross Street) in 1989. Merle continued doing carpentry work, driving grain trucks and operating combines for several local farmers after moving back. He loved the country living and hunting and fishing until the end of his life.

Merle is survived by his wife Rose, and their 4 children: Kenneth and wife Beth (Highlands Ranch, Colorado), Mike (Downs, Kansas), Greg and wife Cindy (Mount Pleasant, Texas), and Kathy (Centennial, Colorado), who were all born and raised in Denver, CO.

Preceding him in death are his parents, George and Sarah and brothers Ivan and wife Clara, Vernon and wife Betty, Loyd and wife Nelvina and Larry. Sister-in-law Sharlene survives.

Merle and Rose have 7 grandchildren: Anna Varner, Julie Valladeras, Phillip, Mark and Luke Nyhoff, Michelle Owsley and Sarah Albert. They have 13 great grandchildren: Roman Varner, Elia and Judah Valladeras; Korbin; Elliot and Andrew Owsley; Raleigh, Callen, Ruby and baby boyNyhoff; Hezikiah, Braelyn and Tirzah Albert; and Dawson Nyhoff.

Merle Nyhoff was a rock of faith and stability to his family. The anchor of his faith was the love he had for his Savior, Jesus Christ his Lord. His daily life of love, kindness, faithfulness and service, showered over his wife and children throughout their lives. His quiet, soft voice and caring and kind eyes spilled over to his nieces, nephews, church and community members whom he loved as well.

Merle was a quiet, strong man, spiritually, physically and emotionally. He was a loving husband and father. He was a skillful carpenter performing his trade with precision. Straight lines and wood grains mattered to Merle. He was a mechanic, a navy veteran mechanic, who could fix almost anything. He loved to hunt and fish. He was a patient marksman's, taking the shot or setting the hook at just the right moment.

Kenneth "Merle" Nyhoff lived a full life. Although a quiet man he touched many souls. He will be missed but we will reunite with him again. The pain and suffering of this life are gone and he rejoices with his heavenly Father today.Well done my good and faithful servant!!!!!!

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 5th with family present at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6th at the church. Interment will follow at Dispatch Cemetery. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Facebook page Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, Dispatch KS. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Dispatch Christian Reformed Church in care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437 in memory of Merle Nyhoff.

Other Obituaries

Beloit, KS 67420, USA