Merle D. Dorn

Memorials may be made to the Merle Dorn Memorial to be designated by his family.

Merle Dean Dorn, age 66, of Franklin, Nebraska, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on August 6, 2025.

Merle was born on August 7, 1958, in Franklin, Nebraska, to the late Henry and Dora (Bienhoff) Dorn. He attended elementary school in Macon, Nebraska. He then attended and graduated from Franklin High School in 1976.

On September 17, 1977, Merle was united in marriage to Kathryn (Platt). Together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage and from their unity they had two daughters, Savannah and Jessica. Merle was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa whose life revolved around his family.

Merle and his beloved wife, Kathy, made their home on a farm north of Franklin, where they spent many cherished years farming and raising cattle, pigs, and sheep. Together, they dedicated countless hours to beautifying their yard and lovingly tending to their flower beds and garden. Merle especially took pride in his columbine flower garden, which he nurtured with care. He also found joy in simply sitting on the back patio, watching the squirrels and waiting for the arrival of the martins.

Merle was deeply devoted to his faith and his church community. He served faithfully on the church council at Zion Lutheran Church in Macon, Nebraska for many years, offering his time and guidance with humility and dedication.

A proud and loving grandfather, Merle cherished every moment with his grandchildren. Whether it was giving tractor rides on his collection of antique tractors, bottle-feeding lambs, or simply taking walks, he was rarely seen without a grandchild by his side. His happiest times were those spent with family—making lasting memories in Estes Park, Colorado, and sharing laughter and love in the barn with his grandkids.

Merle was also a passionate fan of Nebraska football, always cheering on his beloved Huskers. When he wasn’t following the team, he was dreaming of his next hike in the Colorado mountains. Merle and Kathy hiked more than 30 trails together, and one of his proudest achievements was conquering the Manitou Incline in Colorado.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Dorn of Franklin; daughters Savannah Johnson and husband Scott of Minden, NE, and Jessica Wigle and husband Nick of Greenwood, NE; six cherished grandchildren: Hailey, Rilynn, Landon, BeauDel, Jhett, and Baylor. He is also survived by his brothers Dennis (Sara) Dorn and Wendall (Debbie) Dorn, all of Franklin, NE, and Paul Dorn of Minden, NE; mother-in-law Doris Platt; brothers-in-law David (RoseAnn) Platt and Bob (May) Platt, both of Franklin, NE; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dora, father-in-law, Archie Platt, and sister-in-law, Pat Dorn.

Merle’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for his family will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held 11:00am Monday, August 11, 2025 at Zion American Lutheran Church, Macon, Nebraska with Pastor Marcia Dorn officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials should be made to the Merle Dorn Memorial to be designated by the family. Visitation with family will be 4:00 to 6:00pm Sunday at Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska.