This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AMHhenley Surnames: Wilde, Rasmussen, Nelson Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.idaho.counties.franklin/2129/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Idaho State Journal, 08/04/07 MINK CREEK - Merlin Hazen Wilde, 96, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2007, in Preston, Idaho. He was born July 30, 1911, in Mink Creek, Idaho, to Torval and Anna Rasmussen Wilde. He was the oldest of six children. He received his education in the Mink Creek and Preston schools and also attended the University of Idaho and Utah State University. He proudly gave five years of military service to his country, and was in active duty with the U.S. Army throughout World War II. His combat duty began on Utah Beach with the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, and later he was moved to General Patton's 3rd Army Division. A reconnaissance glider, in which he was a forward observer, he was shot down in Germany and he was held as a prisoner of war for a few days. During the war his father passed away, but upon receiving this word he continued to move forward with the frontline forces. In later years the Embassy of France issued him an official Certificate of Gratitude for his efforts in assisting with the liberation of France. While on military furlough in December of 1941, Merlin married Naomi Nelson of Cleveland, Idaho. They were married in Evanston, Wyoming. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Merlin has been a lifetime resident of Mink Creek, where he owned and operated a farm and cattle ranch. He served in officer and director capacities with milk, cattle, irrigation and other associations. In 1978, he retired from the postal service after having been the Mink Creek postmaster and rural mail carrier. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served his callings faithfully including recent work in the St. George, Utah Temple. Merlin is survived by his wife, Naomi, of Mink Creek; sons, Ross (Laurel) Wilde, Wellsville, Utah, Van, Tulsa, Okla., and Dean (Michelle) Pocatello, Idaho; grandchildren, Amy, Ann, Brandon, Brian, Brittany, and Jasmine; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Fay, Dwight, and Neldon, and two sisters, Nada and Anna Mae. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at noon in the Mink Creek LDS Chapel, with Bishop Terry Westerberg conducting. Friends may call Monday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 109 East Oneida in Preston and Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Mink Creek Cemetery. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.