Funeral services for Merlyn Swearingen of Owatonna, formerly of Ellendale, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. The Rev. Richlard L. Sliper will officiate. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale.

Military honors will be accorded by the Ellendale veterans. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale and one hour prior to services. Bonnerup Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Family and friends gathered around with love and compassion in Merlyn’s last few days before Jesus called him home on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Traditions in Owatonna. He was 86.

Meryln was born on May 24, 1926, to Marion and Helen Swearingen.

He served the country in the United States Navy from 1946 until his honorable discharge in 1948.

Merlyn married LeDonna Johnson on Nov. 7, 1948, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The couple was blessed with three girls.

Merlyn’s life work and passion was farming; he farmed for more than 50 years.

Merlyn had many talents and interests which included boxing in the middle weight in the Golden Glove Competition in Owatonna and bowling in many leagues.

He served the community in many capacities including Lion’s Club, supervisor of Berlin Township, mowed Berlin Cemetery and managed Ellendale Skating Rink to name a few.

He was a faithful servant at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale and Via de Cristo.

Merlyn enjoyed visiting friends at the care center.

His family has many memorable times of fishing, snowmobiling, three-wheeling and endless hours of playing games and many bowls of popcorn.

Merlyn will be greatly missed by his loving daughters, Coleen and Arlen Brekke of Ellendale, Karen and James Cox of Carmel, Ind., Nancy and Bill Grant of Overland Park, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Angie (David) Deml, Brian (Jennifer) Powers-Brekke, Scott (Amy Ehlen) Brekke, John and Tom Cox, Michael and Brian Grant; 11 great-grandchildren, Brandon and Courtney Deml, Tayler and Tamika Brekke, Ahna and Max Powers-Brekke, Joshua Ehlen, Karissa, Noelle, Caleb and Ashton Brekke; brothers, twin Marlyn of Owatonna, Robert of Ellendale and Lyle (Helen) of Blaine; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, LeDonna; and his brother, Lowell Swearingen.

Merlyn was a very gentle, caring, humble, compassionate and loving person. He always had a kind and complimentary word for everyone. Blessed be his memory!