Tim Merkens, Sr.

Tim Merkens, Sr., 51, of Ada, Minnesota, died Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at MeritCare Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Timothy J. Merkens Sr., son of Joseph and Olga (Rutledge) Merkens, was born in Ada, on May 30, 1958. He spent his early years growing up in Lockhart, MN, attending school in Ada. His family farmed their land, while Tim worked on his education. Tim joined the U.S. Navy in 1975. He was stationed upon the USS Oklahoma in Japan, and later was transferred to the USS McKean in San Francisco. He was an active member of the US Navy until 1979, where he achieved the rank of GMG3. He was honorably discharged and returned to Minnesota, to assist on the family farm. In 1981, Tim became the proud father of Timothy J. Merkens Jr., followed in 1983 by Anthony J. Merkens. To support his growing family, Tim made the decision the join the U.S. Army, in 1983.

In 1988, while stationed in Hanau, Germany, Tim met his perfect match in Christine Hempfling. In 1990, Tim and Christine were married in Denmark, and happily joined their families together. Tim became the proud father of two young ladies: Jessica V. Hempfling and Jennifer L. Hempfling. Tim continued to progress his education while serving his country. In September of 1994, Tim, at 36 years of age, completed his most ambitious achievement, finishing air assault training and receiving his recognition at Fort Campbell, Ky. In December of 1995, Tim was deployed to Bosnia-Herzkovina. His Company was one of the first to engage in what was soon to become a 60,000 soldier strong peacekeeping mission. Tim spent a total of 19 months engaged in Bosnia before he was transferred to Ft. Hood, TX. While in Ft. Hood, Tim completed his 20th year in the Armed Forces. In 1999, Tim was honorably discharged, having achieved the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Due to ongoing medical issues, he retired back to his hometown of Ada.

Tim was deeply devoted to his family and enjoyed any chance to spend time with them. He loved working on vehicles and anything mechanical. He was truly a fan of the simple things in life…boating, fishing, hunting, visiting friends in town, and spending Sundays forcing his sons to listen to Polka music. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Merkens Sr. He is survived by his wife, Christine Merkens of Ada, and his children: Timothy Merkens Jr. of Ada, Anthony Merkens of Fargo, ND, Jessica Shrider of Fargo, ND and Jennifer Laney of Maple Grove, MN and their families. Also surviving are his mother, Olga Merkens, of Ada, his sister Betty Jo (Larry) Peterson of Ada, and his brother Joseph Merkens Jr. of California, and their families. He has five grandchildren and four nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all!

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ada, MN, with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial: Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Ada, MN.

Arrangements with Fredrikson Funeral Home
Ada, Minnesota (218-784-4600)
www.fredriksonfh.com