Merle Johnston

Celebration of Life Gathering for Merle Johnston, age 92, of Arnolds Park will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 2:00-5:00pm at The Hutt Bar & Grill in Arnolds Park. The family requests memorials be given to Lakes Regional Hospice in Spirit Lake.

92-year-old Merle Dean Johnstron from Arnolds Park passed away on August 3, 2024, at his 536 Dam Rd. Home.

Merle was born in Greenfield, Iowa to Clair and Mary (Sackett) Johnston on April 3, 1932. Merle grew up attending country school and graduated from high school in Greenfield. These eldest of five children, Merle left the family farm working for Sherwin Williams, American Cyanamid, Halsne International, and Jacobsen Homes.

Merle enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country from 1953-1954.

Merle met the love of his life while working in Omaha. Merle and Jeanette (JJ) were married on December 29, 1956, at the little brown church in Nashua, Iowa. That relationship resulted in two children, Mark and Lisa.

To know Merle was to love Merle. His entire life was built around service and stewardship to his family and others. As a carpenter and a concrete worker, he embodied everything it means to serve others with compassion, integrity, and the heart of a saint.

Merle is survived by his son, Mark and wife, Karol; his daughter, Lisa, and husband Todd; one brother, two sisters, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Merle was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 60 years, Jeanette; mother, Mary and father, Clair; brothers, Wayne and Bobby Lee.