Mervin Sirjord, 80, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016 at St. Mary's in Detroit Lakes, MN with his loving family at his side.

Mervin Jerome Sirjord, was born to Morris and Josie (Hagy) Sirjord in Bear Park Township, near Bejou, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith, at Faaberg Lutheran Church. He was raised on the family farm and attended Gary High School where he graduated with the class of '54. As a young man, he farmed with his father and brother and had a seasonal job as a chemist at American Crystal Sugar in Crookston, MN.

On November 2, 1957 Mervin married the love of his life, LouAnn Thompson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou, MN. With hard work and love they built their home on the farm. Mervin's passion and love for the farm shined through as he provided a wonderful life for his family. He passed this passion on to his sons, Mark, Dale and Matthew as they began farming together. Mervin semi-retired in the late 90's and continued to help on the farm, until the fall of 2016.

Mervin treasured his family and together he and LouAnn attended many of their Grandchildren's events. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and the occasional trip to the casino. He also enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Mervin served on the Bear Park Township board for 56 years, the Mahnomen Elevator board and the Ness Lutheran Church counsel.

Mervin is survived by his wife of 59 years, LouAnn; his children: Mark Sirjord of Bejou, Denise (Terry) Halland of Hawley, Terri Sirjord of Gary, Shawn (Kurt) Halvorson of Gary, Matthew (Denise) of Gary; his sister, Darlene (Lester) Halland of Bejou; sister-in-law, Gloria Sirjord of Gary; and his grandchildren: Rachel (Dustin), Natalie (Cedric), Nicholas, Chelsea, Nina, Troy, Shelby, Abigail, Briana, Jordan, McKenzie, Megan, Bailey, Chase, and Belle; and great-grandchildren: Hayden, Mya, Mea, Rhianna, Josie, Keysten, Dalton, Bauer and Evelyn.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Josie; his parents-in-law, Lester and Luella Thompson; son, Dale and infant son, Gary; grandson, Joshua; brothers, Ronald and Donald Sirjord; brother-in-law; Lynn Thompson and sister-in-law; Betty Thompson.