Merritt “Stretch” Ulmer passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. A Celebration of Life was held Monday, April 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at First Reformed Church, Edgerton, with Pastor Mark Groen and Ahren LaFollette officiating.

Interment was in Hillside Cemetery, Edgerton.

Merritt “Stretch” Benny Ulmer was born January 20, 1948, to Leon and Evelyn (Rice) in Miller, South Dakota. He graduated from Miller & Hartford High School in 1966. He continued his education at Omaha Technical College where he studied to be an automotive technician. Stretch and his father owned a gas station in Sioux Falls for many years.

Stretch married Elaine Brouwer on November 13, 1973. Their marriage was blessed with three boys – Kristopher, Wade, and Seth. Stretch worked at Bayliner in Pipestone from 1973 until the plant closed in 2008. Stretch always had a huge smile on his face and was known for being a jokester. He also enjoyed cars and sports, but especially drag racing.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Elaine; sons Kristopher (Jerilyn) of Clear Lake, S.D., Wade (Katherine) of Fremont, Nebr., and Seth (fiance Sara) of Spearfish, S.D.; his sister-in-law Darlene (John) Ruiter; brother-in-law Larry (Sandy) Brouwer; and sister-in-law Thelma Scholten; and his grandchildren: Jason Ulmer, James Ulmer, Jordan Ulmer, Olivia Ulmer, and Elena Ulmer.

Stretch was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers-in-law: Wayne Brouwer and Stan Scholten.