Joseph Merchant

Joseph Merchant, age 83 of Crofton, Nebraska died on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson, Nebraska with the Rev. Dan Wittrock officiating. Burial will be at Calvary cemetery in Newcastle following the mass. Visitation will be on Monday morning, at church, from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Graves, Joey Dryden, Brent Mueller, Mike Ryan, Egbert Weinrich, Anthony Weber, Billie Stanzel, and Rhett Merchant.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Graves and Rick Coan.

Joseph Robert was born on December 16, 1941 in Jackson, Nebraska to Ernest and Margaret (Hodges) Merchant. He grew up in Jackson and worked for several businesses before he owned and worked for Winters-Merchant Painting. They did large commercial painting of bridges, feed mills, water towers etc. Joe was still involved in his business up until his death. Joe also was involved with the Fish Shack near Gavins Point dam on the Nebraska side which his daughters own and operate. Joe married Judy Mae Madison on June 10, 1961 in Jackson. They lived near the dam and enjoyed collecting and selling antiques. Joe collected guns and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Joe had a love of animals which led to him owning the Merchant Elk Range near Walker Valley on the Nebraska side of Lewis and Clark Lake. He raised elk, deer, buffalo and even donkeys.

Joe is survived by his three daughters, Rita (Randy) Houska of Crofton, Jodie Merchant of Crofton, Shelly (Joe) Heidbrink of Yankton; six grandchildren Mandi (Brent) Mueller, Jesse (Katie) Graves, Brittanie (Dan) Ferden, Breisha (Anthony) Weber, Breezie Dryden, Joey (Tashia) Dryden; 35 great grandchildren; a brother Mick (Kathy) Merchant of McCook Lake, SD; and his special companion - Oshie - his dog.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Margaret; wife Judy on 3/13/2008 at the age of 63 years; great granddaughter Evelyn Mae Graves; siblings Paul, Pat, & Tim Merchant; sister Mary Jean Gilman.