Merlin LeRoy Hansen, 84, died peaceful at home on Dec. 24, 2010, surrounded by family in rural Sargeant, Minn.

Merlin was born on Feb. 23, 1926, the son of Juhl and Virginia (Hubbard) Hansen in Britt, IA. Merlin lived in Britt, IA until the age of 12. In 1938, the Hansen family moved to Wells, Minn. and in 1942, they moved to Sargeant, Minn. Merlin graduated from Austin High School in 1944. He was drafted into the service on Dec. 8, 1944, and was stationed in Korea. He was discharged in 1946. Merlin was united in marriage to Donna Burns on Oct. 22, 1950, at the Sargeant Parsonage. Merlin and Donna resided at the family farm outside of Sargeant until the time of his death. His main love in life was his family and farming. He was a member of the American Legion Post #330 for 62 years, and Zion United Methodist Church. Merlin was a generous, caring and giving man, who took great pride in being a steward of the land. He asked for very little in life and was happy to be home with family.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Donna Hansen, Sargeant, Minn.; daughter, Dana (Mitch) Thompson, Rushford, Minn.; son, Jan (Karla) Hansen, Sargeant, Minn.; five grandchildren, Davin (Erin) Thompson, Zach Thompson, and his friend, Erika Johnson, Sam (Jamie) Hansen, Melissa (Seth) Stier, Willie (Alex) Hansen; eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marvel (Bob) Johnson, Glenville, MN; and Janet Goodrich, Deerwood, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jim Hansen, and one sister, Janice Schilling.

The memorial service for Merlin LeRoy Hansen will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at Zion United Methodist Church in Sargeant with Reverend Sharon Goetzinger officiating. Inurnment will be in Waltham Township Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 2nd Street NW in Hayfield, Minn. and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

Blessed be his memory.