HANSTON – Merle K. Aistrup, 88, died Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore, KS.

He was born February 17, 1933 on the family farm near Bison, Kansas, the son of Tenus and Mintie (Hoofer) Aistrup. He was a graduate of Hanston High School. He was a longtime area resident and a farmer and stockman.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Offerle, St Mary's Catholic Church, Hodgeman County, and Knights of Columbus Council #1539 Spearville. He loved watching college football and softball especially his granddaughter play softball.

On December 18, 1971 he married Dorothy P. Lynch in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years of the home; their son, Bob and friend Barb New, Stafford, KS, daughter Rebecca Gerber and husband Lance, Dodge City, two sisters-in-law, Teresa Aistrup, Dodge City and Toni Aistrup, Spearville and one granddaughter, Regan Gerber, Dodge City.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, Guy "G.W.", Lyle, Duayne "Bud", Jack, Jerry and Rex Aistrup; 1 sister, Betty Houser; and a daughter-in-law, Debra Aistrup.

Rosary will be at 7:00 pm Monday, October 11, 2021 St. Joseph Catholic Church, Offerle. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Tuesday with Fr. Jim Mainzer presiding at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hodgeman County. Visitation will be held from noon to 4:00 pm Monday at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to the St. Mary's Cemetery Fund or the Hodgeman County Health Center both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14 ^th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.