Merlin Leroy Finnesgard, 87, of Kenyon, died Saturday, October 27, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born September 20, 1931 in Kenyon the son of Joseph and Ruth (Pierce) Finnesgard. He grew up in Kenyon and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1950. From there he went on to work at Ziegler Company. On January 27, 1951 he married Maxine Elliott. The couple moved to Seattle in 1955 returning after a short time. Merlin managed the Kenyon Co-op before retiring in 1993. In retirement he found enjoyment driving school bus and driving truck for the Knott family and Fillmore Trucking. Merlin was a life long member of Gol Lutheran Church. He served on the church board and as head usher. He took pride in ringing the bell and winding the clock every week at church. Merlin was also a long time member of the Kenyon Lions Club and the Gideon's Club. His love of airplanes and flying led him to obtain his private pilots license later in life. He is survived by his wife, Maxine Finnesgard of Kenyon; children, Robert (and Roxanne) Finnesgard of Spring Grove, Susan (and Jack) Tomsich of Prior Lake, James (and Elizabeth) Finnesgard of Parker, CO; grandchildren, Roxann Brandrup, Beth Vavra, Jonathan Finnesgard, Ryan Tomsich, Chad Tomsich, Joseph Finnesgard, Jamie Marshall; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joseph (and Beverly) Finnesgard, Donald Finnesgard, Joan Musgjerd, Sharon (and Robert) Kucera, Mark (and Cathy) Finnesgard, Bruce (and Susan) Finnesgard, Brian (and Nancy) Finnesgard and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant son; brother, Paul David Finnesgard; brother in law, Obert Musgjerd; sister in law, Margene Finnesgard. Visitation will be at Gol Lutheran Church on Thursday from 1pm to 2pm. Memorial services will be held November 1, 2018 at 2pm at Gol Lutheran Church with Pastor Marvin Kormann officiating. Interment will be in the Gol Lutheran Cemetery in Kenyon. Memorials are preferred to Gol Lutheran Church, Gol Lutheran Church Cemetery or to the donor's choice. Visitation: 11/01/2018 13:00 11/01/2018 14:00 Service: 11/01/2018 14:00