In loving memory of

Merlin S. Hatlevig
January 1, 1900 - May 13, 2009

Merlin S. Hatlevig, 74, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at his home in Rushford, MN, following a battle with cancer. Merlin was born November 1, 1934, in Saratoga Township, MN, to Truman and Mary (Johnson) Hatlevig. He was raised in the North Prairie area and attended Peterson schools. Merlin married Diane Helleland on January 28, 1961, in Rushford, MN, where they raised their 4 children. Merlin drove semi for most of his career. After retirement Merlin took great pride in tending to his sister Diane's lawn. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially taking them to feed fish at Diane's pond in Yucatan.

Merlin is survived by his wife Diane of 48 years; four children, Sandy Heintz of Houston, MN, Judy Hatlevig of Rushford, MN, Dean Hatlevig of Rushford, MN, and Lucinda (Scott) Bedward of Eleva, WI; four grandchildren, Melissa Heintz, Zachary, Tanner and Dalton Bedward; great ?grandson, Colton; 3 sisters, Donna Feller of Money Creek, MN, Diane (Dean) Darrington of Yucatan, MN, and Patricia Wenzel of Rushford, MN; sister-in-law, Irene Hatlevig of Rushford, MN; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Conrad, brothers-in-law, Mike Feller, Larry Rostvold and John Wenzel.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18th, at 11:00am at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rushford, MN, with the Reverend Benjamin Scott officiating. Family and friends may call on Sunday at Hoff Funeral Homes ? Rushford Chapel from 4-7:00pm and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. He will be cremated following the service with burial at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

Please share a memory of Merlin with the family or sign his online guestbook at: www.hofffuneral.com

Tributes

melissa arnold wrote on May 28, 2009:

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melissa arnold wrote on May 28, 2009:

"i work at gundersen lutheran in the lab. i remember merlin coming in for lab draws and he would always have a smile on his face. With his permission i got to watch one of his bone marrow biopsy's and towards the end i almost fainted. Merlin sure got a kick out of that. He would always tease me whenever he came in for labs after that. I will never forget him. you have my deepest sympathy."

Angela Endris wrote on May 16, 2009:

"Dear Family of Merlin, I am so sorry to hear about your loss but I am so greatful that Merlin made it home before he passed. I took care of Merlin multiple times for nose bleeds through the past couple years and was able to get to know him well and meet many of his wonderful family members. I was also able to care for his wife who is incredibly sweet. Every now and then a bond forms between a caregiver and their pt. I feel that Merlin brought a lot to my life even though our relationship was only in the ER. There are many people that were involved in his care that will miss him greatly. Good luck with the future. Unfortunatley, I work every weekend so I will not be able to attend the visitation but my thoughts are with all of you. God bless, Angela Endris "

Rhonda Carlson wrote on May 15, 2009:

"To all of Merlin's family, my deepest sympathy. He is now at peace and once again healthy in God's care, where there is no more pain and suffering. I always enjoyed my visits with Merlin and Diane in the grocery store and will miss those visits. Remember to take care of yourselfs during this difficult time also. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Rhonda"

Andrea Lee wrote on May 14, 2009:

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Merlin's family. He will be sadly missed. May the many memories that you have help you through this difficult time. Remember the smiles and laughter. He will live in your hearts forever. God bless you all. Ardell and Andrea Lee"

Bonnie and Stanley Mann wrote on May 14, 2009:

"We are sorry to hear of the passing of Merlin. I remember the jokes and fun times of the past. It has been a while since we were togather, but it funny how memories do stick by. Our heart goes out to all, Dian you take care. Again our sympathy to all the family. Stan and Bonnie Mann"

Bonnie and Stanley Mann wrote on May 14, 2009:

"We are sorry to hear of the passing of Merlin. I remember the jokes and fun times of the past. It has been a while since we were togather, but it funny how memories do stick by. Our heart goes out to all, Dian you take care. Again our sympathy to all the family. Stan and Bonnie Mann"

Deanna Stennes wrote on May 13, 2009:

"Diane, Judy, Lucinda and Dean - I am so sorry for the loss of your husband/father. He will always be remembered for his contagious laugh and smile. I will always remember him and Diane stopping in to visit when I was working at Larry's Mobil and they would get their "winning" lottery ticket. Please know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time in your life. God bless his memory, Deanna"