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Merle Rise Obituary
Merle was born on February 23, 1946, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Otto and Lumilla (Goelz) Rise. He graduated from Fremont High and entered the United States Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. Shangri-La. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Nebraska, graduating from Wayne State College with a degree in accounting. While attending college, he met his wife, Deborah (Dorr). They were married in 1970 and settled in Wayne, where their children were born and raised. They moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, before residing in Cheyenne.
Merle enjoyed spending time reading, cycling, and fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Papa Merle."
Merle is survived by his wife, Deborah (Dorr); sons Matthew (Jennifer) and Andrew (Tara); daughter Grace; and grandchildren Samuel, Ella, Jovie, and Jemma. He is also survived by his siblings: David (Carole), Karen Portsche, Clara (Gene) Havekost, Edward, and Charles (Jan).
Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Lumilla (Goelz); his brother Arnold (Audrie); and his sisters, Sherry (Kenneth) Wolter and Pamela Miller.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Rise
Sponsored by Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home - Cheyenne.
6 Entries
Kathy Realph Callahan
January 12, 2026
Memories of the entire Rise family because Otto & Lu were friends of my parents. Rest in peace, Merle.
Salva Villegas
January 11, 2026
I will forever remember the joy working and sharing thoughts with you. Rest easy for you´re in God´s hand now Mr. Merle!
Molly Gjervold
January 10, 2026
Merle was one of the best people I have met at Sierra. We teamed up for the corn hole tournament in 2024 and ended up winning together. When I had talked to him one day about starting to fly fish he had brought me some of his favorite flies a couple days later and some floatant that he said was his favorite. I will always remember his kindness and generosity. He is greatly missed!
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David King
January 8, 2026
Deborah and Family, Janet and I send our most sincere condolences upon Merle´s passing. Merle and I were very close friends from early in 7th grade when we walked to junior high school together every day for the next 3 years. We stayed close friends all through high school and spent a lot of time together. In the early 1970´s Janet and I visited you and Merle at your home in Wayne. The last time I spoke with Merle was at a visitation prior to his mother´s funeral. Merle was a kind, sincere, and faithful friend; and his sense of humor and warm smile are something that I will always remember. Merle was a wonderful friend and a terrific human being. I am so sorry for his passing, but he will live on in our memories.
Dave King
Nancy Hoshor
January 8, 2026
My Deepest Sympathy Dave and Carole and family
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Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home - Cheyenne2222 Russell Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001
People and places connected with Merle
Fremont, NE
Fremont Tribune
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