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Merlin A. Finke, age 85, rural Moorhead, MN, died peacefully at his home, under the care of his children and Hospice of the Red River Valley, on Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
Merlin Arnold Finke, the son of Otto and Hilda Finke, was born Dec. 7, 1922, at Borup, MN, where he grew up and received his education. During WW II, Merlin served his country in the US Army, overseas in Europe. While in the service, he was married to Frances LaDouceur on May 15, 1944, at Moorhead.
Following his discharge from the Army, Merlin and Frances made their home in Fargo, ND, and in the 1960's moved to Moorhead, where they had lived since. For 35 years, Merlin had worked as a diesel mechanic for International Harvester in Fargo. He retired in about 1987. His wife of 46 years, Frances, died July 30, 1989. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by twin sons, James and Joseph; a grandson, David B. Graffis; his parents; and three brothers, Norman, William and Clayton
Following his wife's death, Merlin continued to live in rural Moorhead. He was an avid vegetable gardener, and he excelled in canning his own produce. After retirement he still enjoyed working on auto and truck engines in his garage at home. He will be missed greatly and will be remembered most for his stoicism, dry wit, and unwavering loyalty to his family.
Merlin is survived by three sons, Jimmy (Susan) Finke, St. Joseph, MO, Johnny (Stephanie) Finke, Fargo, and Merlin Finke II, Minneapolis, MN; three daughters, Marlain Graffis, Moorhead, Dawn (Vincent) LaCroix, Moorhead, and Lorrie Rheault, Dilworth, MN; t
Visitation: Monday, 5 PM until 9 PM, Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Funeral service: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 2 PM, Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead