Merle C. Cluts

Merle C. Cluts, 91, of Rochelle, U.S. Army Veteran passed away February 27, at Rochelle Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. Merle was born February 9, 1918 in Clark, South Dakota, son of Charlie and Mabel (Cochran) Cluts. He married Aileen Jensen July 1946 in Watertown, South Dakota. In late 1945 Merle C. Cluts purchased a home at 2 Richardson Ave. Ashton, Il. from Emma S. Hart. This house was once a farm home at the west edge of Ashton owned by James Richardson. The house was remodeled to serve as a Funeral Home with living quarters on the second floor, where Merle and Aileen Cluts lived from 1946 until 1962. On June 1, 1962 Mr. Cluts opened another Funeral Home in Rochelle, Il. having remodeled the Turkington residence at 704 N. 6th St. Merle was a Mason, Rotarian, a member of the Rochelle American Legion and First Presbyterian Church. Merle is survived by his wife, Aileen of Rochelle; one son, Marlin (Catherine) Cluts of Rochelle; two grandchildren, Jason Merle Cluts of St. Louis and Geoffrey Cluts of Normal, Il.; one sister, Ruby McWhorter of Scottsdale, AZ. He is preceded in death by one sister, Elsie Cluts and one brother, Harlan Cluts. Friends and family to meet for Funeral Services at the First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 10:00 am, with Rev. Dr. John Hamilton officiating. Burial at Lawnridge Cemetery. A visitation will be held 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday March 2 at Coulon-Lyons Family Funeral Home 704 N. 6th St. Rochelle 815-562-6872. Memorials may be made to Rochelle Hub Senior Center and/or First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle.