Merton C. Laack, 81, of Austin, Minn., died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Merton was born Nov. 18, 1932, in Austin, Minn., the son of Frank and Anna (Friedrich) Laack. He graduated from Austin High School and served as an MP in the United States Army. Merton married Karen Bailey on Nov. 25, 1960, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Waltham, Minn.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 35 and a half years.

Merton was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Waltham. In retirement, Merton and Karen enjoyed spending winters in Harlingen, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill.

Merton is survived by his loving and caring wife of 53 years, Karen Laack, of Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Mari and Donn Olsen, of Rochester; Jane and Walter Ebner, of Bloomington, Minn.; grandchildren, Alex, Jeff and Karyn Olsen; and great grandchildren, Tessanna and Zander.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Waltham, Minn., with the Reverend Jeffrey Kuddes officiating. Friends may greet the family at a reception following the service. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.