Proud husband, father, and grandfather, Merle Jerome Jossart, age 87 of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away August 9, 2020.

He was born on April 13, 1933 in Benson, Minnesota to Ralph and Esther (Johnson) Jossart. Merle grew up and attended high school in Benson, where he graduated with the class of 1951. Following high school, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana for a few years.

In 1955  he was drafted to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in South Korea where he proudly served in the 6^th Armored Division of the Army.  He also served in the Reserves after his active duty until he was fully discharged in 1963.

One day while watching a parade, Merle noticed the beautiful Miss Little Falls riding on a float waving to the crowd. As soon as he saw her, he knew he had to meet her! Merle and Patricia Klisch were then joined in marriage on May 3, 1958 in South Dakota and happily raised five children together. Merle worked for Northwestern Bell as a lineman, and  with his hard work ethic, progressed his way to management. This led to the family moving to various cities around the state with each of his promotions, eventually settling in New Hope, MN.  Merle and Pat retired and moved to Buffalo MN in 1998.

Merle was a family man and took pride in providing for his wife and children. He had a very generous heart and made sure to spend quality time creating special memories with them. You could find him on the baseball fields, hockey rinks, and soccer fields coaching his children and other youth in various cities. He was involved in church organizations, playing bridge and other card games, and bowling in leagues. Merle also very much enjoyed golfing with family and friends and he worked part time as a grounds keeper and fixing equipment at Wild Marsh in Buffalo.  He was also an avid outdoorsman; hunting and fishing whenever he could in the Benson area that he grew up in. He would mostly hunt for pheasant and ducks. Merle and Pat both enjoyed traveling and sightseeing, hiking and camping as well.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Esther; brothers, Ron and Jim; and sister, Joyce.

Merle is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat; children, Paul (Terry), Ruth, Dale, Gary (Francie), and Chad (Bobbie); 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and brother, Curtis (Sara).

A Memorial Service is planned for Monday, August 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN. Military honors will follow the service. An interment will take place at a later date at the Benson City Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com