Mervin Elias Tripp, navigated by his God and Country, was one of the proudest Americans you could meet. Mervin, 91, of Winona, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018, peacefully at his home, Sugar Loaf Senior Living, Winona, Minn.
He was born in Mabel, Minn., on January 4, 1927, to Loren and Emma (Faa) Tripp. Mervin had fond memories of working on local farms as a young man. He worked for Preble Township. Mervin entered the Navy and was stationed in the South Pacific. He served on the USS Montpelier.
Upon returning home, Mervin began work at Mabel Motor Sales as an auto/truck mechanic. He received numerous awards from the Ford Motor Company. At that time, he met the love of his life, Charlotte Helen Jetson. They married on August 27, 1949, in Mabel. They made their home in Mabel with their daughter Linda.
In 1966, they moved to Winona where Mervin joined the Owl Motor Company which became Tousley Ford and then Sugar Loaf Ford. He retired after 26 years of service in 1992.
Mervin liked drives in the country. He provided an immaculate home and yard for his family. Charlotte and he traveled extensively, going on nine cruises and numerous tours.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Charlotte (2010), brothers Arden and Norris, and sister-in-law Evelyn Tripp. He is survived by his daughter Linda, brother Lyle, sisters Phyllis (Arlyn) Vigeland, Allene (Glenn) Buxengard, and Janice (Wordean) Welper; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018, from 4–6 p.m. at Fawcett Junker Funeral Home, Winona. Funeral service will be on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Scheie Lutheran Church, Mabel, Minn. Interment will be in the Mabel Cemetery with military honors provided by Mabel American Legion Post 299.
Memorials may be directed to the Mabel First Lutheran Church, Scheie Lutheran Church or Mabel Public Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home, Winona, Minn., and Fountain City. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.