Merle Ridlen

Merle Ridlen, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with visitation one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Macon Cemetery, Macon, IL. Memorials may be made to First Church of the Nazarene. Merle joins his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty, in heaven. He is survived by his son, Mark Ridlen, daughter-in-law Karen, sister Mildred Eacker, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Earl (Ike) Ridlen, Bernard Ridlen, and Richard Godsey. Merle was the son of Isaac and Goldie Ridlen. He enjoyed working at Black and Company for 52 years where he met so many residents of Decatur. He was a devoted longtime member of the Decatur First Church of the Nazarene. Merle and his family were blessed to have had many wonderful neighbors in Decatur on Vanderhoof Street and later on Arbor Court. His family would like to acknowledge the excellent medical care provided to Merle and Betty by Dr. Herbert Fritz and Dr. Richard Fritz for over 50 combined years. A very special thank you goes to Susie Bird and her outstanding team of caregivers. "
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