Merlyn L. Plucker, age 83, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Alcester, SD. He was born on January 17, 1942, to Bennie and Clara (Bultena) Plucker in Lennox, SD.

Visitation with the family present will be at 10 am with a funeral service at 11 am on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home Downtown Chapel, 507 South Main Avenue, with burial at St. Michael Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be directed to the Children's Home Society or Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The service will be live-streamed at Merlyn's Service

He graduated from Washington High School in 1960 and then attended South Dakota State University. He married Mary Paa on June 22, 1963, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and they were blessed with one son, Michael.

Merle worked for Sodak District for 20 years and then for Northern States Power Company for 7 years. He later worked for Walling Water Management. He lived at Lake Campbell for about 10 years. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Elks Club, and the Optimist Club. He served on the committee for United Way and was involved in the formation of Junior Achievement, as well as being a past president of the Sioux Falls Boys Club.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Mary Plucker; son, Michael Plucker; brother, Ronald Plucker; sisters, Bonnie (Paul) Swenson, and Kim Plucker; granddaughters, Lyndsay Plucker, Chelsea Plucker, and Mikayla Plucker; great grandchildren, Nevaeh Metz, Demetrece "Jr.", Marley, and Millie Henderson; and many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Deanne Bearden.