Merlin Johnson

Merlin Iver Johnson, son of Iver and Inger Johnson, was born November 25, 1931 on the family farm east of Milford, Iowa He received his education at Arnolds Park, Iowa and his junior and senior years at Oak Park Academy at Nevada, Iowa. Following his graduation, Merlin farmed with his father until his induction into the Army, where he served in the Korean War with the Hospital Corps. as a medic. Upon returning home, he resumed his love of farming, which he did until his retirement. On March 10, 1957, Merlin was united in marriage to Kathy Szack from Spencer, Iowa. To this union, two sons, Jeff and Gary, were born. Merlin enjoyed bowling, golfing and watching Iowa Hawkeye basketball. He was an avid bicycle rider, having ridden in RAGBRAI (Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) for nineteen years. He also enjoyed riding in the University of Okoboji annual rides for many years. Merlin and Kathy enjoyed traveling, visiting Canada, Mexico City & Acapulco, as well as many U.S. states. They always looked forward to wintering in southern Texas, as they did for thirty-six years. Merlin was a member of the Spencer Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. When his health failed, Merlin moved to Keelson Harbour Memory Care Unit in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He resided there until his death on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at seventy-nine years of age. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy, of Okoboji, Iowa; sons, Jeff, of Spirit Lake, Iowa and Gary, of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by several relatives and many friends. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turner Jenness Funeral Homes