Lawrence Merkins

Lawrence Merkins, 91, Ada, MN, died on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Springdale West Hospital, Mesa, AZ, after a brief illness.

John Lawrence Merkins was born on August 9, 1919, the son of John and Amanda (Treichel) Merkins, in rural Ada, MN. He grew up and attended school in Ada. Lawrence was baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Pleasant View and confirmed at First (Grace) Lutheran Church. He served as a Sergeant with the US Army, 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division in WWII from 1941-1945. After returning from the war, he began farming with his father near Ada.

He married Harriet "Doodie" Rockstad on July 8, 1949, in Hendrum, MN. He continued to farm on the family farm until his retirement in 1975.

Lawrence was a member Grace Lutheran Church , where he served on the board of Trustees, he was a member of the Ada VFW, and firing squad, Ada American Legion, and served on the board of the Potato Grower's Association. After retirement he and Harriet spent their winters in Mesa, AZ, where he kept active playing shuffle board, pool and putting on the putting green. Even after retirement he enjoyed helping out local farmers during harvest and could often be found outside during his daily walks. In most recent years, he and Harriet spent as much time as possible with their grandchildren, which always brought a smile to his face.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Harriet, Ada, MN; daughter, Tammy Merkins (Eric Hausten), grandchildren, Jonathan and Morgan Hausten, all of Detroit Lakes, MN; one sister, Minna Gomall, Twin Valley, MN; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bartz, Ada, MN; Tootsie Rockstad, Fisher, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters, Ada Werpy, Anna Nelson, Clara Hellerud, Esther Visser and Myrtle Pinske.

Funeral Service: 11:00am on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: 5-7pm Sunday with at 6:30pm prayer service at Fredrikson Funeral Home, Ada, MN.

Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery.