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Celebrating the Life of Merle LeRoy Shalberg

Merle LeRoy Shalberg was born January 6, 1936, in Sheridan Lake, and passed away November 10, 2025, at Weisbrod Hospital in Eads, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. He was 89 years old.

Merle attended school in Sheridan Lake, (aka KA Hall) completing all 12 years of his education and graduating in 1953. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Armympleting basic training at Fort Carson, before serving as a mechanic at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in October 1957.

After returning home, Merle worked for Boulware Mercantile, delivering propane throughout Kiowa County.

In 1960, he married Carol Sharpe, and together they began their cattle and farming operation, along with raising their family. Also, during the early years of their marriage, he worked as a school bus driver and began delivering mail in the Sheridan Lake area - a route he later passed on to Carol.

In 1966, Merle started pumping wells in Brandon - a job he loved and dedicated himself to for more than 50 years, often managing up to 50 wells daily for several different oil companies. His commitment was unmatched; he rarely left home for more than a couple of days because of his dedication to the job.

Merle was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Sheridan Lake Lions Club and served as treasurer of the Sheridan Lake Water Company for 50 years. He also served on the Farmers Home Administration (now Farm Credit) in the 1960s, the Plainview School Board from 1972 to 1976, and was elected County Commissioner in 1974 at the age of 36, serving for eight years. During his tenure, he helped establish the Sheridan Lake and Brandon Cemetery Districts, where he also served as treasurer. Merle contributed to the Kiowa County Hospital Board, and was an active member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the NRA for 25 years. He was a strong advocate for the Second Amendment and proudly shared that passion with his family.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lucille Shalberg; daughter, Lori Shalberg; sister, Shirley, brother-in-law, Don Snyder; niece, Cathy Lohman and her husband, Rick; and Mike Korrell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of the family home; children, Steve (Corie McKane) Shalberg of Lakin, Kansas, and Greg (Penni) Shalberg of Sheridan Lake; grandchildren, Brandy (Kyle) Blanton of Lubbock, Texas; Brock (Bethany) Shalberg of Lamar; Dylan (Bailey) Shalberg of Okarche, Oklahoma; Dalton (Mariah) Shalberg of Yukon, Oklahoma; Dawsen Shalberg of Cheyenne Wells; Kyler Shalberg of Cheyenne Wells; and Kase Shalberg of Sheridan Lake; great-grandchildren, Avery, Harper, Livia, Hope, Slade, Sutton, Decklan, Zellie, and Baylor. Merle is also survived by his sister, Charlotte (William) Woelk of Eads.

Merle accepted Christ as a young boy at the Sheridan Lake Federated Church. He took a step of faith and reaffirmed his walk with the Lord, guided by Pastor Jim Canady.

Merle will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his dedication to family and community, and his love for the land he called home. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled and the countless lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held November 17, 2025 at the Sheridan Lake Bible Church. Burial followed in the Sheridan Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Merle Shalberg Memorial Fund in care of GN Bank, P.O. Box 847, Eads, CO 81036.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.