Merlin S. Hatlevig

Merlin S. Hatlevig, 74, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at his home in Rushford, MN, following a battle with cancer. Merlin was born November 1, 1934, in Saratoga Township, MN, to Truman and Mary (Johnson) Hatlevig. He was raised in the North Prairie area and attended Peterson schools. Merlin married Diane Helleland on January 28, 1961, in Rushford, MN, where they raised their 4 children. Merlin drove semi for most of his career. After retirement Merlin took great pride in tending to his sister Diane's lawn. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially taking them to feed fish at Diane's pond in Yucatan.Merlin is survived by his wife Diane of 48 years; four children, Sandy Heintz of Houston, MN, Judy Hatlevig of Rushford, MN, Dean Hatlevig of Rushford, MN, and Lucinda (Scott) Bedward of Eleva, WI; four grandchildren, Melissa Heintz, Zachary, Tanner and Dalton Bedward; great ?grandson, Colton; 3 sisters, Donna Feller of Money Creek, MN, Diane (Dean) Darrington of Yucatan, MN, and Patricia Wenzel of Rushford, MN; sister-in-law, Irene Hatlevig of Rushford, MN; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Conrad, brothers-in-law, Mike Feller, Larry Rostvold and John Wenzel.Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18th, at 11:00am at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rushford, MN, with the Reverend Benjamin Scott officiating. Family and friends may call on Sunday at Hoff Funeral Homes ? Rushford Chapel from 4-7:00pm and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. He will be cremated following the service with burial at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.Please share a memory of Merlin with the family or sign his online guestbook at: www.hofffuneral.com