Merle Fredrick Bitikofer, a long time resident of Dallas, Oregon went to be with his wife on Thursday, March 30th. Merle was born on January 31, 1940 in McPherson, Kansas the son of Melvin and Cora Bond Bitikofer. The family moved to the Woodburn/Monitor area of Oregon in 1941. They moved to the Salem area in 1949, buying and settling on a 40 acre farm. Merle graduated from nearby Western Mennonite High School in 1958 before traveling to Europe to serve in the Pax program. After returning to Salem he met his love, Karen Jordan, and they were married on June 5th, 1965. They lived in Salem and Portland before moving to Dallas in 1970, buying a house and land where they could keep horses. Merle’s first occupation was as a Diesel Mechanic. He also proudly served as a member of the Dallas Volunteer Fire Department. A broken back in 1978 led to many different jobs including selling and installing fireplace inserts with his brother, putting up hay with his father-in-law, and working as a machinist. His fascination with Thompson submachine guns led him to repairing their large drum magazines and being known as “The Drum Doctor” by the machine gun enthusiast community. Merle also had a love of trains, planes, boats, and automobiles. Much time was also spent vacationing with Karen and visiting their friends. Merle and Karen also traveled constantly to Eugene to see their twin granddaughters, who they loved so much.

He is survived by his son, Todd (Shanna) Bitikofer, daughter, Tami Dettwyler, granddaughters, Ashlyn and Amber Bitikofer, along with brothers, Phares (Helen), Ervin (Nancy), and sister Maxine (Amos) Stoltzfus. Merle was preceded in death by sisters Thelma Martin and Eudene Snyder, and brother Melvin.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, May 5th at 11:00 AM at Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center. Merle will then be reunited with Karen around 1:00PM at Restlawn Mausoleum.