Merlin Halverson was born October 28, 1931, to Gerhard and Marie (Buross) Halverson in La Crosse, Wis. He was baptized in November 1931, confirmed on July 2, 1946, and had been a lifelong member of Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. He graduated from Rushford High School in 1949. He married Norma Danielson on September 19, 1953. Merlin served in the National Guard for three years. He was treasurer for Rushford Village, a member of the church council, dartball team, men’s club, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
He worked for 43 years at the former Miller Chevrolet, P.J. Motors, and retired from Dahl’s Auto Works in 1996. He and Norma took several bus trips to both the east and west coasts, Branson, Mo., and spent time at the lake in northern Minnesota. There was also a very memorable Christmas Cruise. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Merlin was very proud of his family.
Merlin was always ready and willing for a card game – the noisier the better. He was a master at friendly banter. He had many one-liners that his family will often repeat in his honor. He loved Euchre, tolerated Uno.
Merlin is survived by his wife Norma of 72 and a half years, three children: Mike (Jill) Halverson, LeAnn (Lenny) Blake of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Karen (Chuck) Mierau; five grandchildren: Zach (Marie) Mierau, Alex (Andrea) Mierau, Mariah (Andrew) Nelson, MacKenzie (Trevor) Moore, and Matt (Maria) Halverson; 12 great-grandchildren: Caden, Maycie, Lily, and Paxton Mierau, Laney and Murphy Moore, Bryson and Madelyn Mierau, Josie and Ben Halverson, and Aubrey and Marcus Nelson; and special family friend Maryellen Dean.
He is survived by three in-laws: Helen Danielson, and Myron and Nancy Danielson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three in-laws: Curtiss Danielson, and Don and Charlotte Danielson.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church, with visitation starting an hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Highland Prairie Lutheran Church, Semcac Meals on Wheels – Rushford, or Winona Health Hospice.
Hoff Funeral Home Rushford is assisting the family. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to leave an online condolence.
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