Merriam Lodin

Merriam Lodin, age 95, a resident of Pelican Rapids, MN died on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Pelican Valley Health Center in Pelican Rapids.Merriam Eleanore Maxine Anderson was born September 27, 1919 in Thief River Falls, MN, the daughter of Albert and Amelia (Dahlstrom) Anderson. Merriam was very proud of her 100% Swedish heritage, her father and maternal grandparents emigrated from Sweden. She attended two years of high school in Grantsburg, Wisconsin where she helped her aunt and uncle (a minister) with their twin baby boys. Merriam graduated in 1937 from high school in St. Hilaire, MN. Then she took a business course at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, MN.Merriam and two girlfriends rode train to Portland, Oregon during World War II where they worked in the home office of the States Steamship Co. in Portland, Oregon. After the War ended she returned to Minneapolis with her cousin, Glady. Glady's boyfriend lived in the same building as Russell, and he introduced Merriam and Russell to each other. Merriam was united in marriage with John Russell Lodin on May 29, 1948 in Thief River Falls by her uncle. After their marriage they lived a short time in Minneapolis before moving to Pelican Rapids where they owned and operated with Russell's brother, Vincent, Lodin's Ben Franklin Store. Merriam and Russell owned Lodin's Ben Franklin Store until their retirement in 1996. Merriam and her husband, Russell, were charter members of Faith Lutheran Church. She was the church organist and choir director for many years. Merriam was the first woman to serve on the Faith Lutheran Church Council. She was also a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #5252 and served two terms as President.In addition to enjoying music, Merriam enjoyed reading.Merriam is survived by her son, Ronald Lodin, Austin, MN; three nephews: Greg (Diane) Anderson, Bloomington, MN, Ed Lodin, Dent, MN, Curtis (Ellie) Lodin, Dent, MN and one niece, Claudia Myrvold, Fargo, ND; three great-nephews: Joshua Anderson, Justin (Amy Jo) Anderson and Matthew Myrvold; two great-nieces: Amy and Christina Myrvold. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Russell, brother, Raymond (Sylvia) Anderson, infant brother and infant sister, brother-in-law, Vincent (LaVerne) Lodin, and her niece, Marlene McKenny.Visitation: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home in Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, MN.Clergy: Pastor Roger RotvoldInterment: Lake View Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, MinnesotaFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572