Watch Merlyn's Funeral

Merlyn Olson, age 75, of Twin Valley, MN, died Thursday, September 3, 2020, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, following a courageous battle with lymphoma and neuropathy.

Merlyn Charles Olson was born in Detroit Lakes, MN, on October 16, 1944, the youngest son born to Guy and Alice (Larson) Olson.  He grew up on the same farm where he raised his family and currently, he and Sylvia make their home.  Merlyn was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN.  He attended public school in Waubun, MN, and graduated with the class of 1963.  Following high school, Merlyn worked a summer for Great Plains Construction, but his heart was in working on the farm.  He farmed with his dad, raising beef and gradually switching to a dairy herd.  On June 19, 1970, Merlyn was united in marriage to Sylvia Waller and they were blessed with two children, Crystal and Matthew.  In 1996, Matthew joined him in the operation.  They operated the dairy farm until 2008 when they sold the dairy cows, but retained some feeders and continued farming, with his son, Matthew, helping when he could.  Merlyn never completely retired from farming.  It was a way of life and his passion not just a job.  He was eager to teach not only his children and grandchildren, but any youth about the ways and importance of farming.  Merlyn was very active in the 4-H program both as an adolescent himself and in later years as a mentor for the youth.  He spent countless hours with his granddaughters working on 4-H projects especially dairy and art.  Merlyn loved spending this time with his granddaughters and he had a special bond with all of them, even if he would sometimes take off without all of them in the vehicle!

Merlyn had a strong work ethic, tell it like it is attitude and was very witty.  In his spare time, he enjoyed drawing, painting and building toys with wood and welding projects.  Over the years, he built most of the buildings on the farm.  He also volunteered for Hospice and was very involved with the area Lions Club, even receiving an award from them for all his volunteer hours with Hospice.  Merlyn sat as a member of the Cass Clay Dairy Board for 10 years and was very active with the Norman Mahnomen Grassland and Forage Council and Dairy Club.

Merlyn is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sylvia; daughter, Crystal (fiancé, Ron McGregor) Olson; son, Matthew, all of Twin Valley; four granddaughters: Allana (fiancé, Jeremy Nash) Lampton, Leigh (Jimmy) Keeler, Mackenzie (Kaleb Tronnes) Lampton and Amara Lampton; two great-grandsons, Jaxon and Odin Keeler; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Dan) Buckle and Janet Waller both of Twin Valley; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lloyd; sister-in-law, Marlys Olson; brother-in-law, Ronald Waller; and special neighbor, Lloyd Spielman.

Blessed be the memory of Merlyn Olson.

Public Visitation will be held Friday, September 11, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Aspelund Lutheran Church and continue outside one hour prior to the funeral.

An Outdoor Funeral Service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN.  The service will be outdoors, all are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a chair.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.  The service will be recorded and available for viewing shortly after the funeral.