Mervin A. Holstad, 80, Spicer, Minn.
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Mervin A. Holstad, age 80, of Spicer, Minn., died on Friday, March 14, 2003, at his home on Lake Florida.
Funeral service was Tuesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church in rural New London with the Rev. Alan Schmidt officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Willmar VFW #1639 and American Legion Post #167. Visitation was 5-7 p.m. on Monday, March 17, at the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, and continued one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Mervin Arnold Holstad was born on Oct. 20, 1922 in Albert Lea, the son of Alfred and Mabel (Egland) Holstad. He grew up in Emmons, where he attended country school and graduated from Emmons High School in the Class of 1940. Mervin then went to Washington, where he began working for the U.S. Census Bureau. In November 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country during World War II in the 14th Armored Division stationed in the European Theater. After Mervin received his honorary discharge in 1946, he returned to Albert Lea.
On Nov. 4, 1948, he was united in marriage to Margaret Evenson at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The couple lived in Albert Lea where Mervin drove truck for Wilson Foods. In 1955 the family moved to Willmar. They returned to Albert Lea in 1972 and Mervin continued working for Wilson Foods, retiring on Dec. 31, 1982, with over 30 years of service. After retiring, Mervin and Margaret moved to their home on Lake Florida.
Mervin was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar and East Norway Lake Lutheran Church.
Mervin was a member of the Willmar VFW #1639 and American Legion Post #167. He was also active as a Webelos Scout leader and was a member of the Willmar Car Club.
Mervin enjoyed restoring cars and was very proud of his ’72 Impala and ’66 Mustang. He loved being at the lake, whether boating, water skiing or spending time with his family and grandchildren. His warm personality and sense of humor made him very likable, and once you met Mervin you would never forget him.
Mervin died peacefully overlooking the lake at his home on Friday evening, March 14, 2003, at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 24 days. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mervin is survived by his wife, Margaret of Spicer; son, Dennis (and Mary) Holstad of Spicer; daughters: Patricia (and Tom) Broman of Spicer, Susan Franta of Golden Colo., and Mary (and Gary) Roiland of Louisberg, Minn.; grandchildren: Elli (and Daren) Nelson, Ryan Broman, Emily, Lori and Lindsey Franta, and Jeared Roiland; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Mervin was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Orville Holstad; and a sister, Eunice Evenson.