Merton B. Wambsganss, 84, went to be with his Lord on Jan. 24, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Center, Hutchinson.

He was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Herington, the son of Bernard and Clara Kuester Wambsganss. He graduated from Elmdale High School in 1945.

A resident of Hutchinson since 1946, he was a retired production supervisor for Barton/Cargill Salt Company, where he worked for 39 and a half years, retiring in 1989.

He was a very faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

On July 9, 1950, he married Joan Winkley in Aulne. She survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Larry and his wife Bridget, Littleton, Colo., and Lee and his wife Denise, Northglenn, Colo.; a daughter, Shirley Long, Pueblo, Colo.; a brother, Marvin and his wife Jean, Hutchinson; his grandchildren, Mandy Johnston and husband Mark, Jamie Wambsganss and wife Rose, Lindsey Wambsganss, and Jennifer Beckett and husband Dan; two great-grandsons; and two great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Mert was a very loving and kind husband and father.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 28, 2009, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Thomas B. Mendenhall presiding. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, or Hospice of Reno County, both in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.