Mervin Johansen

Mervin Leslie Johansen, 86, a resident of Fergus Falls, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the Lakeland Hospice House in Fergus Falls. He was born June 14, 1924, in Dane Prairie Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the son of Christian “Hardy” and Lillian (Johnson) Johansen. He was raised on the farm in the Underwood area and attended school in Aurdal Township. On February 18, 1945, he married Delores Krog in Fergus Falls, where they raised two children. He worked for Carlson Benjamin Construction Company and helped build the Baptist Church, and numerous apartment buildings and homes around the city. He was then hired by Otter Tail Power Company to work on a maintenance crew, remodeling offices, building substations, and other things as required. He retired from Otter Tail in 1986 after 17 years of service. Mervin enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He loved to make things with his hands and share them with family and friends. He and Delores traveled in their early retirement years, and he especially loved the Alaskan wilderness, and wintering in Arizona. Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Elaine; and two brothers, Raymond and Neal. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Delores; his daughter, Judy Ahlbrecht and husband James of Rosemount, MN; his son, Donald and his wife Josie of Fargo; three grandchildren: Jonathan (Tina) Ahlbrecht, Julie (Brian) Boche, and Joel Johansen; one great-grandson, Ethan Ahlbrecht; two sisters: Leona Hanson and Marcella (Phil) Sundberg; two brothers: Jim (Pat) Johansen and Richard Johansen; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 1 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2011, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns, and Pastor Paul Johansen Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls