Merle D. Nussbaum, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the age of 93.

A visitation to honor Merle's life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home – downtown, located at 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. A heartfelt funeral service will follow at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, 3300 E. 18th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. Merle will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at Palisades Cemetery in Garretson, SD, where his memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.

The funeral service will be livestreamed to Grace Lutheran Church's Facebook page. To watch the funeral service live, please click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/GraceLutheranSiouxFalls

Merle D. Nussbaum, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the age of 93.

Merle was born on October 27, 1932, in Garretson, South Dakota, to Henry and Annie (Anderson) Nussbaum. He graduated from Garretson High School in 1950 and proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, enlisting in 1953 and returning home with honor in 1955.

On August 31, 1953, Merle married the love of his life, Mildred "Millie" Carlson, in Garretson. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter. In 1955, they made their home in Sioux Falls, where they raised their four children: David, Jill, Todd, and Amy.

Merle worked as a carpenter following his service in the Army and spent 30 years as a real estate appraiser with Home Federal Bank, careers that provided both purpose and fulfillment until his retirement in 1997.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Merle's life. A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church, he found deep meaning in teaching Sunday School and generously giving his time through church service and volunteer work. He was also active in several service organizations, always embodying a spirit of kindness and generosity. Merle was an avid golfer, enjoyed many forms of social dancing, and was often appreciated for his lighthearted humor. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with family, especially the winters he and Millie shared in Mesa, Arizona.

Merle's legacy lives on through his children: David (Terri) Nussbaum of Sioux Falls; Jill Nussbaum of Plymouth, Minnesota; Todd Nussbaum of Sioux Falls; and Amy (John) Warwick of Sioux Falls. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Matthew (Trish) Nussbaum and Michael (Trina) Nussbaum, both of Sioux Falls; Nate (Aiyana) Warwick of Windom, Minnesota; Jonah (Grace) Warwick of Bismarck, North Dakota; and Jenna (Austin) Severson of Sioux Falls. Additionally, he had five great-grandchildren and another on the way. He is further survived by his brother, Norman Nussbaum of Garretson; his sister, Donna Wegner of Sioux Falls; and his sister-in-law, Diane Nussbaum of Garretson.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Annie Nussbaum; his sisters, Joanne Hulslander and LaVonne Gibson; his brother, Donald Nussbaum; his sister-in-law, Margaret Nussbaum; and his beloved wife of 71 years, Millie Nussbaum—his steadfast companion.

A visitation to honor Merle's life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home – Downtown, 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, 3300 E. 18th Street, Sioux Falls. Merle will be laid to rest beside his wife at East Palisade Cemetery in Garretson, South Dakota, where his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.