Merle Avenson

MERLE LEONARD AVENSON May 18, 1943 – May 1, 2017               Merle Leonard Avenson, age 73, of Nevis, MN, passed away on Monday, May lst, 2017 at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids following a long battle with COPD, kidney disease and multiple myeloma.              Merle was born on May 18, 1943 in Park Rapids at a private hospital on north Main to Harry and Pearl (Manlove) Avenson, on his father’s 36th birthday.  He attended school in Nevis through the 12th grade where he enjoyed participating in high school sports and 4-H.  He was united in marriage to Jean Christopherson on September 17, 1966 at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset.  Merle worked for his father on the family farm and loved farm life.  In 1971, he took over the operation of the farm.  In addition at that time, he began driving school bus for the Nevis School District and continued in that commitment for over 30 years.  Merle also helped with repair and construction projects at the Nevis School for many years.  Not one to ever sit idle, he also worked for the Crow Wing Lake Township maintaining the roads by operating the road grader, snow plow and clearing brush away from the right of way for over 30 years.  Since a boy, Merle had helped his grandmother, Emma Avenson and his parents display the Hubbard County Agriculture booth at the Minnesota State Fair.  In 1971, both he and Jean, working side by side, kept this tradition at the Minnesota State Fair continuously for 46 years.  Merle served as a 4-H leader for over 25 years.  He thoroughly enjoyed working with young people promoting good clean fun, learning experiences and sportsmanship.  Merle was a lifelong member of the First English Lutheran Church of Dorset where he served as an elder, an usher and a trustee.  On the suit he wore to church each Sunday he proudly displayed four lapel pins.  The top pin which is the Cross represented his love for the Lord, the second pin represented his love for his family, the third pin, which was the flag, represented his love for his country and the fourth pin his love for the 4-H youth program.  In many ways he lived his life well, committed to those things he believed in so deeply and loved so faithfully.             Merle will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Jean; his three sons: Michael (Jill) of Bloomington, MN, Joel (Heather) of Mound, MN and Randy (Jenny) of Park Rapids, MN; eight dearly loved grandchildren: Matthew, Clara, Eric, Justin, Emily, Hunter, Paul and Kate. As well as one brother: Loren and wife Julia.             He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Vern who died in 1957 and Marlyn who died in 2012 and his sister, Arlyce who died in 2013.             Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, May 8, 2017 at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset with the Rev. Chris Davis officiating.  The organist will be Lila Kalish.  The active casket bearers will be: David “Crocket” Kowalke, Dennis “Poke” Kowalke, Kevin Bliss, Kenny Manlove, Brian Ford and Jeremiah Dwire.  The honorary casket bearers will be: Dale Maizalo, Jerry Avenson, Gary Evers, Roger Plumley, John Devore, Wayne Devore, Tim Johanning and Dale Strei.  Interment will be made in the Hubbard Cemetery.  Visitation will begin 10 AM Monday at the church.  Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the church family.  To view the on line video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com