It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Merlin Barry Tostrud on December 9th, 2023. Merlin was born on April 12th, 1945, in Albert Lea.

He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Following graduation from Albert Lea High School in 1963, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Civil Engineering.

He joined the Engineering Dept. of the State of California where he spent his career in a variety of assignments, including serving as an engineer to the Colorado River Board. He lived in Los Angeles and Glendale, California in retirement. He had many close friends, among them Angela and Vahan Khamtrashyan who he considered family.

Merlin had a remarkable life. Following his diagnosis of type one diabetes at the age of three, his mother immediately took him to the Mayo Clinic. Upon receiving care and advice to manage the disease, Merlin did an excellent job maintaining his health with proper diet and exercise throughout his life. Merlin possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh that brought smiles to all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Beulah Tostrud, his sister, Arnita, and his nephew Chris Hoffmann. He is survived by his brother, Jerrol (Alleen), nephews Eric Tostrud (Laurie), Jon Tostrud (Amy), niece Karen Hoffmann, and much-loved grand nieces and nephews. Merlin also had a close relationship with his many cousins.

He is deeply missed by family and friends. Memorial services will be held in Albert Lea in the spring.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made in memory of Merlin to Mayo Clinic for Endocrinology Research:

Mayo Clinic

Dept. of Development

200 First Street SW

Rochester, MN 55905