Merlin Duane Hansen was born to Victor and Lydia (Solater) Hansen on October 26, 1935, and passed away on December 16, 2020. Merlin was born on his grandfather's farm in Storden Township. He later lived in Rosehill Township and started school in a one room schoolhouse. Merlin eventually attended Storden Public School, graduating in 1953. He worked at various jobs in the Storden area and was employed with Bosshart Construction in building the new Storden High School. In 1957, Merlin began to farm with his father. Merlin was married to Rachel Schauer, November 16, 1957. In 1965, the couple purchased the farm which had first been purchased by his grandfather, Jens C. Hansen, in 1899. With the help of their four growing children, they operated a dairy and grain farm. Merlin's son John and his family currently live and farm on this site. As a young man, Merlin loved to hunt and fish and also trapped fur-bearing animals. He and Rachel fished together and when the children became older, they also became a part of an annual trip to northern Minnesota. Merlin made his final vacation trip to Eagle Nest Lodge in 2019 with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family warmly remembers boat rides, sitting in the swing talking with grandpa, and hiking in the Chippewa National Forest. Merlin also enjoyed vacationing in Florida during the winter months. Merlin worked on various boards including Farmers Grain Company and Storden Township. He also served Storden Baptist Church, in many ways and represented the church on the Board of Trustees of Shetek Baptist Camp. Merlin's solid faith in God's presence was a cornerstone that influenced his family to future generations. Merlin will be remembered by his family for his gentle wit and sense of humor. His work ethic and appreciation of country life were passed on as part of his heritage. In his later years, Merlin enjoyed going out to breakfast with friends until he eventually moved to Mikkelson Manor in Windom, Minnesota. Merlin was preceded in death by his son Dennis, his wife Rachel, and his brothers Bob and LeRoy. Merlin is survived by his daughter Karen and husband Gary Hildebrandt of Mountain Lake, Minnesota; daughter Donna and husband Dave Fjeld of Windom, Minnesota, and son John and wife Jane Hansen of Storden, Minnesota. Grandchildren are Heidi and Jeremy Sheppard, Hannah and Keagan Hicks, Isaac Hildebrandt, Lydia Hildebrandt; Jamey and Anna Hochstein, Tim Fjeld, Mindy Fjeld; Sam Hansen, Jonah Hansen, and Ben Hansen. Great grandchildren are Wilson Hochstein; Anneka, Elliana, and Kira Sheppard; and Benjamin and Matthew Hicks.