Merlin Joseph Romme, 87, Hays, died Monday, August 10, 2026 at HaysMed.
He was born March 21, 1939 in Hays to Eugene M. and Josephine (Pfannenstiel) Romme. On April 15, 1961, he married Janice Zimmerman in Schoenchen. She preceded him in death on April 14, 2010.
Merlin was the owner of Romme Real Estate and Insurance Agency and also farmed. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the St. Mary’s Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, and the Fourth Degree Bishop Cunningham Assembly #282. He enjoyed fishing and going to Wilson Lake.
Survivors include his companion Sandy Herrman of Liberty, MO, two sons Galen Romme and wife Cindy of Hays and Darrell Romme and wife Melissa of Hays, a daughter Tara Steiner and husband Frank of Kansas City, MO, a brother Melvin Romme of Olathe, two sisters Doris Romme and Donna Romme, both of Hays, eight grandchildren Grant and Chase Romme, Dr. Nathan (Madyson), Brianna, Jenna, and MyKayla Romme, and Alexa and Drew Steiner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Luke Friess officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:00 pm until 6:00, a vigil service will be at 6:00 followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30, all on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for the Unify, Beautify, Glorify Campaign or to TMP-M Endowment. Condolences and memories of Merlin may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com