Merton Arthur DeBoer, 87, of Austin, Minn., died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at home surrounded by his children, grandchildren, sister, brother and favorite nephew. After 22 years, he joined the love of his life, together again forever in Heaven.

Merton was born March 8, 1925, to Henry “Hank” and Helen (Bryza) DeBoer in Dexter, Minn. He was the seventh child of eight. Mert married Vernetta Klapperick on Nov. 22, 1947. In the bright red house they raised their seven kids. According to family history, they had the first set of DeBoer twins.

Mert worked at Hormel for 45 years. In his younger years, he could be seen around town with his bobcat and dump truck plowing snow, mowing ditches, and doing dirt work and cemetery care. He was always there for anyone needing help. Work was his favorite pastime.

Mert was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marines.

Survivors include his children, LaVonne (Phil) Jackson, Parker, Colo., Ginger Taylor, San Tan Valley, Ariz., Hope (Tom) Wurster, Medford, Minn., Holly Allen, Austin, Hal DeBoer, Syracuse, N.Y., Sidney DeBoer, Austin; daughter-in-law, Frances DeBoer, Austin; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Viola Stahl, Austin; brother, Lynn DeBoer, Stewartville, Minn.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife; son, Timmy; two sons-in-law, Randy and Milo; parents; two sisters; three brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at Mayer Funeral Home with Father John Traufler officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and also one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Thursday. Interment will be in the Dexter Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.