Nathan P. Merten, 78, of Brownsdale, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota.

He was born Feb. 4, 1937, in Adams, Minnesota, to Philipp and Leonilla (Mullenbach) Merten. Nathan grew up in Adams, where he also attended school. He worked as a milk hauler for the Adams Creamery for many years. On July 17, 1976, he married Betty L. Konken at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Brownsdale. The couple made their home in Brownsdale ever since. Nathan worked for the Brownsdale Elevator for many years and then worked for IFP out of Oslo, Minnesota, for the last 25 years of his career. Nathan enjoyed going for rides in his car and went on many bus trips. He attended Our Savior Lutheran Church where he was the head usher, and served on the church board.

Survivors include his loving wife Betty Merten of Brownsdale, Minnesota; three special daughters: Jessika (Robert) Gaul of Owatonna, Minnesota, Enith Espino of Panama City, Panama, and Marvina (Thomas) Zaparolli of Milan, Italy; two sisters: Dorothy Loecher of West Bend, Wisconsin, and Marcella (Damon) Bissen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two brothers, Mathias Merten of Adams, Minnesota, Bernard (Elaine) Merten of St. Ansgar, Iowa; and many wonderful nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philipp and Leonilla; brother, Michael; step-father, Ray Younker; two nieces: Marianne and Elizabeth Konken; and a nephew Leon Merten.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 411 W Main St, Brownsdale, Minnesota, 55918, with Pastor Jeffery Sage officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening, Aug. 27, 2015, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale, Minnesota. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.