RENSSELAER FALLS — The funeral for Merle E. Putnam, 76, Rensselaer Falls, will be at 5 p.m. May 23 at Kendrew Methodist Church, Kendrew Corners. A reception will follow the service at Rensselaer Falls Fire Hall.

Mr. Putnam died Monday at his home, where he was under his family's care.

A calling hour will start at 4 p.m. May 23 at the church. Arrangements are with Fox-McLellan Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Mr. Putnam was employed with Ogdensburg Creameries from 1956 until retirement in 1995 as lab technician and quality control supervisor.

Born Jan. 17, 1932, in Stockholm, son of Gerald and Isabel McIntyre Putnam, he graduated in 1949 from Parishville High School and attended Canton Agricultural and Technical Institute.

He married Beverly Bishop on July 12, 1952, in Ogdensburg.

Mr. Putnam served in the Army from 1952 to 1954, receiving both the Good Conduct and National Defense medals.

He was a member of the Dairyman's league in Massena in 1950, transferring to Heuvelton in 1956. He was a member of St. Lawrence County Milk Sanitarians and New York State Milk and Food Sanitarians. He and his wife have been members of the Rensselaer Falls community since 1957. He enjoyed sports, fishing and hunting.

Surviving besides his wife are a son and his wife, Wayne and Barbara, Auburn; two daughters and their husbands, Donna and Pedro Alvarez, Ogdensburg, and Diane and Gene Reed, Hope Mills, N.C.; seven grandchildren, a great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

A brother, Monroe, died before him.

Donations may be made to Rensselaer Falls Rescue Squad.

Condolences may be made at www.foxmclellanfuneral

home.com.