Marie Merkins, 83, of Ada, Minnesota, died Sunday, December 12, 2010, in her home.

Marie Jane Woltjer was born March 1, 1927, near Borup, MN, the daughter of Jacob and Anna (Giinthir) Woltjer. The family lived on various farms around Borup during Marie's childhood. She was baptized and confirmed in Winchester Lutheran Church in Borup. Marie attended school in Borup, graduating in 1945. After graduation, Marie moved to Ada and began working as a secretary-bookkeeper for Ada Feed and Seed Co. She held this job, as well as other part time bookkeeping positions until 1964.

On November 7, 1959, Marie was united in marriage to Albert Merkins. They made their home on the family homestead northwest of Ada. They raised small grain and dairy. In 1961, the family business went to Grade A Dairy. The farm was called "Merkins Dairy Farm-Home of Happy Holstein." In 1987, the Merkins Farm was designated a "Minnesota Century Farm."

Marie was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and an active member and leader of Hegne 4-H Club. She was a member, holding most offices of Pleasant View Homemakers Club until it disbanded. She managed the Ada Senior Nutrition Program for many years and then was a foster grandma at the Ada Borup School until her death

Marie is survived by a son, John A. (Gloria) Merkins, Perham, MN, a daughter, Kathleen M. (Peter) Cina, Waconia, MN, eight grandchildren, Susan Marie, Kimberly Ann, Elizabeth, Cathy, Ashley Christina Marie, Brittany Leigh, Callie Victoria Faith, and Danielle Paige; one sister, Ardell (Sidney) Erstad, Ada, MN, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Albert Merkins, three brothers, Edvin Woltjer, Luverne Woltjer, and Fred Woltjer, and one sister, Annie Temanson.

Funeral services will be 11:00am, Friday, December 17, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-7pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm at the church.

Burial will be in the Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.