Merland was born June 29, 1919 in the “Big Woods” of Fillmore County to Henry and Ida Vickerman. He attended country schools in the area. Merland served in the United States Army during World War II. He had worked with his father at the sawmill cutting railroad ties. He worked as a mechanic and carpenter, and always willing to help others out. He was married to Betty Starks and then Joyce Birch but later divorced. He enjoyed living quietly in the “Big Woods”.
Merland passed away Sunday, June 14, 2009 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel at the age of 89.
Merland is survived by a daughter Marilyn (Wilfred) Bartch of St. Paul; a son Eldon (Jeanine) Vickerman of St. Paul; seven grandchildren; several great grandchildren; two sisters Irma (James) Wangen of Lanesboro, Minn., and Edna (Howard) Warman of New Richmond, Wisc.; and a brother Arlis Vickerman of Mabel. He was preceded in death by a son, two daughters, a grandson, a brother, and three sisters.
Graveside services will be 12 o’clock noon, Monday, June 22, 2009 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
|