Merlin L. Mortenson

A Memorial Service for Merlin L. Mortenson of Roseau, MN will be held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 1:00PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date.

Merlin passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018 at the age of 85.

Merlin was born February 10, 1932 to Theo and Signe Mortenson of Pencer, MN at the Golden Hotel in Roseau, MN. Merlin attended school in Pencer until the 8th grade and later would get his GED. He worked for various farmers in his early years and in the potato fields in North Dakota. He got TB and was placed in sanatorium in Duluth , MN for about two years. When he got well he was hired at Mando Paper Mill in International Falls, MN which later changed to Boise Cascade where he worked his way up to supervisor. Merlin worked for Boise for 40 years before retiring and moving back to Roseau, where he did some farming and helped his son with cattle.

In Merlin – God made a Carpenter, Mechanic, Electrician, Welder, Plumber and most anything that he took on. He loved music, played Guitar and Accordion until he cut off to many fingers, so he started playing the Harmonica. For Merlin, racing snowmobiles was his favorite hobby. Merlin married Lucille LaMae Brateng in December 1957; they were blessed with two children, and celebrated their 60th Anniversary this last December. Merlin was a member of Mission Covenant Church in International Falls, MN and Bethel Covenant Church (now called Immanuel Baptist Church). Merlin quit attending church when his eyes and ears got too bad, he would only attend special occasions.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Lucille; children, Soni of International Falls, MN, Kim (Cindy) of Pencer, MN; grandchildren, Josh (Jen) of Minneapolis, MN, Lexie of International Falls, MN; great grandson, Jared; brother, Romane (Judy) of Warroad, MN; sister, Junetta of Minneapolis, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, and three sisters. He was loved and will be greatly missed by all.

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