Merlyn W. Merkens, 84, of Halstad, MN, died Saturday, November 6, 2010, at his home, under the care of Hospice.

Merlyn was born on March 20, 1926 in Norman County, Minnesota, the son of John & Clara (Orvik) Merkens. He was baptized and confirmed in the First English Lutheran Church in Lockhart, MN. He was raised and educated in Lockhart where he farmed with his family. On June 22, 1947, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Anderson, at Augustana Lutheran Church, rural Halstad. After marriage, they continued to farm in the Lockhart area and in 1949 moved to a farm near Halstad where he and Bea continued farming and raised their three children.
Merlyn farmed with his bother-in-law, Wayne Anderson, and also worked with his father-in-law, Arne Anderson, in road construction for a short time. While farming on his own, Merlyn was active on numerous boards throughout the years. He served as president, treasurer, council member and Sunday School teacher at Augustana Lutheran Church numerous times. In 1960, he joined the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and held many positions, including National Director. He also served as Chairman of the Minnesota State ASCS committee, and was also a member of Minnesota Clean Water Board. He and Bea traveled throughout the country and had many adventures while serving on the above boards. Merlyn enjoyed traveling, dancing, visiting with friends & family, hunting, fishing and spending time at their cabin on Lake Maud near Audubon, MN. His most precious time was spent with his grandsons.
Merlyn is survived by his wife Bea; sons, Brad (Tammy) Merkens and Blayne (Gayle) Merkens, both of Halstad; daughter, Chaun, Kindred, ND; five grandsons - Jacob, McKeag, Stuart, Quinn, and Bryer; and one great grandson, Alex. He is also survived by several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harry, Joe, & Earl; sister Junice Sorenson, infant sister Delores Merkens; and foster sisters Junice Mae Johnson & Rhoda Torkelson; and nephews Harlan "Bud" Merkens & Timothy Merkens.
Funeral Service: 11:00am, Wednesday, November 10, 2010, at Augustana Lutheran Church, rural Halstad, MN.

Visitation: 5-7PM Tuesday at Fredrikson Valley Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.

Prayer Service: 6:30PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Interment: Augustana Lutheran Cemetery, rural Halstad, MN.

Arrangements with Fredrikson Valley Funeral Home
Halstad, Minnesota (218-456-2000)