Mervin Freeland
April 11, 1931 ~ March 12, 2013
Mervin John Freeland died at home under home and Hospice Care with family present, March 12, 2013, at the age of 81.
He was born April 11th, 1931, in Mayville, ND to Marcus and Esther (Ramsfield) Freeland. He married Judy Mergenthal November 21, 1952 in Hillsboro, ND.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter Leetha (Terry) Larson of Apple Valley, MN; grand-daughter Jaci (Brad) Lucht of Prior Lake, MN; grandsons Robert Gooding of Farmington, MN and Jonathan Gooding of Charles City, IA; sisters Violet Mergenthal of Twin Valley, MN; Jane (Bob) Hill of Bremerton, WA; Gloria (Bill) Norrs of Milaca, MN; brother Richard (Sandy) Freeland of Longs, SC; and many beloved nieces and nephews and other family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Jeanette, Marcella, Vivian and brother, Everette.
Mervin was a father figure to his brothers and sisters when their father died, leaving a family of 8 young children for Merv to become a caretaker to at the tender age of 14. He left school to farm in a successful effort to keep the children together. He later finished his schooling. He loved to fix, create, organize, do puzzles, sing, read and listen to endless hours of music - some of his favorites Andy Williams, the Gaithers, and Tennessee Ernie Ford. He was the most patient and fun grandpa (Buhpa), and uncle, father, brother and husband, he truly listened and wanted to learn about everyone. He gave the best hugs and was all about family. He will be greatly missed.
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West Fargo ND
Judy and Leetha:
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Keep all the wonderful memories of Merv close to your heart. I am sure you have a numerous stories filled with humor from the past years. Merv was a great guy and will be dearly missed by all .
Love,
Tom & Jan
Hillsboro ND
Leetha and Judy. Noted the obituary of Mervin in todays paper. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Take care, be strong. Barb
Grand Forks ND
Greetings to all of Merv’s family. What a beautiful obituary written with love and so described a man I knew as a kid living down the street. Mervin, you always had a smile on your face, eyes that just twinkled brightly, and a laugh that was hearty from way down deep in your soul! Thank you for my memories with your beautiful daughter as we grew up.
I am so glad your family has many wonderful memories to cherish in their hearts of you! They will pull them out over and over and over……after awhile the tears and sadness will pass, and then, viola! Your memories will bring smiles to their faces, and they will feel at peace knowing you will always be a treasure forever!
My sympathies to all. May peace surround you and keep you strong until we all meet our loved ones in Heaven. Love is…..a beautiful thing that is so fragile, but in the end love is everything that makes us strong!
Ypsilanti MII have many happy memories of growing up with Uncle Mervin. He always had a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was patient, kind, funny, and unique. He was a wonderful uncle, and I am so very thankful that he was part of my life.
Goodbye, Uncle Mervin. I love you.
Sedona AZ
Leetha,
Brenda Steenson informed me about the passing of your father. You and in my thoughts, especially during these next few days and weeks.
My deepest sympathy to you and your mom and family.
May your dad rest in peace.
Warm regards,
LaRon Muller-Risser
Mervin was an awesome person, he never had a bad word to say about anyone. I had the privilege of working with Mervin at the County as well as at Crystal. He was a true friend to me and he will be missed greatly. Our sympathy to Judy and Leetha and the rest of the family. Memories are powerful things.
I remember my uncle Mervin as a loving and interested man. Interested in what I had to say. Interested in my hugs. Interested in me. Interested to talk to me (at any age.) I felt he was glad I was there. He was respectful . I’m so glad to have had his love and the memories I have with him, my aunt Judy, and my cousins/sister Leetha. I loved visiting and being with them.
I also remember his taking my dad, sister, and I on a tour of the Hillsboro sugar plant. It was one of the most interesting experiences I will never forget.
Thank you uncle Mervin for all you were in my life. Such a huge and wonderful part of the Freeland experience.