Merlin Somers

FUNERAL SERVICES : 2:00 PM Monday, August 2, 2010 at the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids, MN with the Pastor Keith Butler officiating. The music will be provided by close family friend, Mr. Dwayne Cook who will both sing and play the organ.VISITATION : 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids, MN next to his wife, Leona. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of The North Marine Corps League under the direction of Mr. Dave Free.SURVIVORS : His daughters: Linette (Dave) White of Appleton, WI and Laura (Tom) Becker of Park Rapids; his three grandchildren: TJ, Lindsey (Casey Fouts) and Michael Becker all of Park Rapids; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. MERLIN DONALD SOMERSAugust 18, 1935 " July 29, 2010 Merlin Donald Somers, age 74 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of the Pine River-Backus, MN area, passed into Eternal Life on Thursday, July 29, 2010 while a patient at St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids. Merlin was born on August 18, 1935 in Backus to Roy and Viola (Harrison) Somers. It was in Backus that he attended public schools and graduated from the Backus Public High School with the Class of 1953. Following his graduation, Merlin enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge. Merlin returned to the Pine River-Backus area where he gained employment working with the Railroad and the Pine River Feed Store. On November 4, 1961, Merlin was united in marriage to Leona Jane Jewell in Pine River. This marriage was blessed with two daughters: Linette and Laura. The young family made their home in Pine River until 1969 when Merlin gained employment with the MN Department of Transportation and the Somers family relocated to Park Rapids. Merlin devoted his working life to a career with MDOT that spanned over 30 years until his retirement in 2000. His life was forever changed by the death of his precious wife, Leona in December of 2005. For the past six years, Merlin has made his home with his daughter, Laura and son-in-law, Tom Becker. Merlin has had an interest in animals and livestock throughout his life and has especially enjoyed his team of Percheron Draft horses that he has used and cared for right up to the present time. He also enjoyed raising chickens, geese and ducks. He had a love for the out of doors and enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting over the years. He was an avid gardener who looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden which he nurtured with great diligence and raised his vegetables into fruitful abundance which he shared with his family and friends. He was a long time member of the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids where he enjoyed good fellowship and worshipping the Lord. Above all, Merlin devoted himself to his precious daughters and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Linette (Dave) White of Appleton, WI and Laura (Tom) Becker of Park Rapids; his three grandchildren: TJ, Lindsey (Casey Fouts) and Michael Becker all of Park Rapids; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leona; l brother, Darrell and two sisters: Bernadine and Darlene. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Monday, August 2, 2010 at the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids with the Pastor Keith Butler officiating. The music will be provided by close family friend, Mr. Dwayne Cook who will both sing and play the organ. The casket bearers will be: Jim Petersen, Pat Donahue, Lloyd Johnson, Wayne Sorenson, Mike Gravdahl, Ed Gunderson and Cliff Moening. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids, MN next to his wife, Leona. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of The North Marine Corps League under the direction of Mr. Dave Free. Following the services, a luncheon will be provided by the Faith Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.