Merlyn Dean Larson was born on September 18, 1930, to Chris and Bertha (Helmer) Larson, in Sidney, Montana. He was the youngest of the family and had two brothers, Gerald and Don. He attended school at the Brorson and McBride Country Schools and later the Sidney High School. Merlyn enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 where he served aboard the aircraft carrier Princeton during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in February 1955.

While he was in the military, he fell in love with a hometown girl and a sister of one of his friends, Rosemary “Jen” Obergfell. After a whirlwind courtship, these two were married on July 2, 1955, at the Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, Montana. This fun-lovin’ couple were married 69 years, and their legacy of love was admired by all, especially their family.

Merlyn and Jen lived most of their married life in the Brorson Community, west of Sidney, Montana, and he was very proud of the fact that he was able to raise his children on the same farm where he was born and raised. He truly loved his home and community and felt so blessed to live there.

Merlyn cherished his life on the farm with Jen. He loved planting crops and watching them grow, raising animals of all types and in later years, taking side-by-side rides to check all the water tanks and just enjoy nature. Merlyn also enjoyed visiting friends and neighbors and being a practical jokester. All loved to have him tell of the jokes he had pulled on his neighbors! The highlight of each day was when his kids and grandkids would stop by for a visit and their favorite beverage. Their home was the gathering place for any age group, and everyone was always welcome.

Merlyn served on the Brorson School Board for many years and was so proud that 4 generations of Larsons have attended school there and 1 great-grandson is currently enrolled at Brorson. He was also on the Farmer’s Elevator Board of Directors, a member of the VFW and Trinity Lutheran Church, all of Sidney.

Merlyn and Jen raised five children: Sheri, Tim, Randy, Gary and Chris. Many enjoyable years were spent raising this lively bunch and attending their activities. All of their kids feel so blessed to be raised in such a hard-working, but fun-filled house full of love. They were taught to have a strong work ethic, faith in God, love and respect for this wonderful country, be good stewards of the land and to live life to the fullest.

Merlyn passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, surrounded by his family at the Sidney Health Center in Sidney, MT.

Merlyn is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary “Jen” Larson; daughter, Sheri (Bill) Madison; sons, Tim (Brenda) Larson and Chris (Shelly) Larson; daughter-in-law, Teresa Larson, all of Sidney, and 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 more due this winter; 1 great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Joann Obergfell, Sidney, MT and Joanne Obergfell, Plentywood, MT; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Bertha Larson; sons, Randall (Randy) and Gary Larson; brothers and their wives, Gerald and Hazel Larson and Don and Evelyn Larson; in-laws, Jake and Jean Obergfell and all of Jen’s siblings.