Merle was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Axtell, Nebraska. He received his primary education from District #56 in Phelps County, Nebraska and then graduated from Holdrege, Nebraska High School.

Following his education, Merle served his country in the United States Army in the European theater with the 90th Infantry Division, 3rd Military Government regiment during World War II and was wounded at Luxembourg, Germany. He was decorated with several medals including: the combat infantryman's badge, the EAME ribbon with three bronze service stars, good conduct medal and victory ribbon and the Purple Heart. Merle was Honorably Discharged on May 1, 1946. He loved the labor of the land and engaged in farming his entire working career until his retirement due to his health. Due to declining health, Merle made his home at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa where he resided until his passing. He was a member of the V.F.W.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Minnie Jacobson; brother, Vincent Jacobson; sisters, Rosalie Jacobson, Eileen Hoover, Loretta Cole and Elvera Larson.

He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews including: Allen Cole and his wife, Romaine of Omaha, Nebraska; Larry Jacobson and his wife, Connie of Holdrege, Nebraska; Marilyn Swindell of Omaha, Nebraska; Ron Larson and his wife, Arlys of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Doris Hanson and his wife, Sherrod of Loomis, Nebraska, Myrtle Simmerman and her husband, Dick of Overton, Nebraska; Carol Reeves and her husband, Rock of Red Wing, Minnesota; Faye Reeves and her husband, Doug of Omaha, Nebraska and host of friends and relatives.