Merlin Merrinus Larsen

Merlin Larsen, of Maynard, died on Monday, August 30, 2004 at the Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 93.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, September 2, 2004 at 1:30 PM at the Maynard Presbyterian Church in Maynard with Rev. Mary Leigh Boyd Hovland officiating.  Interment will be in Terrace Lawn Memory Gardens in rural Montevideo.

Visitation will be Wednesday  afternoon and evening and with the family present from 5:30 - 7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo.

Merlin Merrinus Larsen was born on June 11, 1911 in Centerville, SD to William and Martha  (Larsen ) Larsen.  He was baptized and confirmed at his home.  He attended rural school and one year at Morris Agricultural School.  Merlin served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1946. He was attached to 940th Field Artillery, took part in the Battle Of The Bulge, received American theater service medal and also awarded two overseas battle stars.   On November 10, 1944 he was united in marriage to Margaret Nicolai at her home. They farmed near Maynard for many years before moving into Maynard. He loved fishing and hunting with the boys and spending summer vacations at the lake.  After retiring he enjoyed gardening, yard work, feeding and watching the birds.  He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and enjoyed reading, watching television news, especially CNN, to keep up with news of the day.  He was a longtime member of Maynard American Legion Post #252 and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Maynard, where he served as trustee and mowed the lawn. In 2002 he entered the Luther Haven Nursing Home. Merlin was a quiet, serene person, loving life and family.  He was a good husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two children: Gary Larsen of Ventura, CA and Mary Rasmussen and her husband Dale of Montevideo, MN; two grandchildren: Darrin Rasmussen of St. Cloud, MN and  Emily Jo Rasmussen of Montevideo, MN; one sister, Margaret Preining of St. Paul, MN; and by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Louie and Ernest Larsen; and one brother-in-law, Herbert Preining.