Merlyn “Mert” Keefer, 88, died Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Visitation is Monday 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. Vigil service, all occurring at the Church. Interment is in St. Bonaventure Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84.

Merlyn Keefer was born October 3, 1937 in Columbus, Nebraska to Herman and Anna (Kaipust) Keefer. He grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1955. After graduation Mert went on join the Army Reserves and eventually active duty. He went to basic training in Fort Carson, Colorado and advanced to Fort Bliss, Texas and later sent to Mainz- Gonsenheim, Germany. Mert was in the 530 Guided Missile Battalion. The unit came back to White Sands, New Mexico missile range in the summer to fire missiles. Mert was the firing panel operator. On May 6, 1961 he married Janet Adams. Mert worked for a short time at Kosch Manufacturing before moving to Omaha to attend UTS. They returned back to Columbus and Mert was hired by Rays Appliance and in November 1967 he started with Loup Power as an appliance repairman and meter maintenance. He retired in November 1997. After retirement he did appliance repair for Tempo and Mark Anthony in Columbus. He was a life member of AM Vets.

Mert enjoyed traveling to Sumtner, South Carolina to visit friends, Nashville, San Antonio, and Mackinaw Island which was their favorite place to visit in the fall. They would get tickets from Merts aunt in South Bend, Indiana and enjoyed traveling to Nebraska football games.

He is survived by:

Wife- Janet Keefer

Many nieces and nephews including Janelle (Terry) Lutjens and Kelly (Scott) Spenceri.

He is preceded in death by:

Parents

Brothers- Dwayne, Richard, and Herman Jr.