Service Information
Merlin A. Klabunde, age 82, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, husband of Marjorie, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton with interment in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Brownton.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by the Brownton American Legion Post #143 Honor Guard.
Merlin's service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/immanuelbrownton
Obituary
Merlin Alfred Klabunde was born on October 23, 1938, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Alfred and Leila (Zieman) Klabunde. Merlin received his education in Brownton, and was a graduate of the Brownton High School Class of 1956.
Merlin entered active military service in the Army National Guard on December 3, 1956, at Hutchinson, Minnesota and served his country for eight years. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 2, 1964, at Hutchinson, Minnesota, and achieved the rank of E5.
On December 10, 1960, Merlin was united in marriage to Marjorie Hahn at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Brett, Wade, Dudley, Jason, and Trisha. Merlin and Marjorie resided in Brownton, and later moved to Lake Marion. Merlin and Marjorie shared 60 years of marriage.
Merlin was self-employed as a farmer as well as a mail carrier for Glencoe and Brownton. He also worked for Jacques Seed as a dealer for many years. Merlin retired in 1999. Merlin was a member of the Fernando Creamery Board, a Lifetime Member of the Brownton Rod and Gun Club, the Western Mounted Paraders Saddle Club, Brownton and Stewart American Legion, Brownton Lion’s Club, Brownton Coop Ag Center Board, and the McLeod County Sheriff’s Posse. He was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota.
Merlin enjoyed playing softball, traveling, playing sheepshead, watching his grandchildrens’ sporting events, hosting family gatherings at the lake, as well as league bowling which he participated in for 52 years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Merlin passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 82 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Merlin is survived by his:
Wife, Marjorie Klabunde of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Brett Klabunde and his wife, Vicky, of Brownton, MN,
Wade Klabunde and his wife, Mary, of Brownton MN,
Dudley Klabunde and his wife, Dawn, of Hutchinson, MN,
Jason Klabunde and his wife, Diana, of Brownton, MN,
and Trisha Karels and her husband, Paul, of Brownton, MN;
Grandchildren, Dustin Klabunde and his wife, Stephanie, Marissa Klabunde, Ellen Koerner and her husband, Luke, Ryan Klabunde, Jordan Klabunde and significant other Alyssa Summerfield, Karlee Karl, and her husband, Grant, Seth Schuette, Mason Klabunde, Callie Klabunde, and Megan Klabunde;
Great Grandchildren, Ciara and Sawyer Klabunde
Step Grandchildren, Hannah Vlasak and her husband, Ryan, Hillary Lewandoski and her husband, Dahlton, and Max Karels and his fiancé Faith Quigley;
Brothers- and Sisters-in-Law, Allen Hahn, Jean Klammer and her husband, Warren, Jane Kalenberg and her husband, Wayne, Gary Hahn and his wife, Bonnie, and Mary Zeman and her husband, Richard;
Step Great Grandchildren, Zoey and Lexa Vlasak, Jackson, Zeke and Colleen Lewandowski, and Charlotte Karels;
Many other relatives and friends.
Merlin is preceded in death by his Parents, Alfred and Leila (Zieman) Klabunde, Parents-in-Law, Kermit and Luella Hahn, Sister-in-Law, June Donley, and Brother-in-Law, George Donley.
The family invites everyone to the luncheon at the church immediately following the committal service.
Brenda Sturges says
So sorry for your loss. My mom will be in heaven to greet her cousin! My sympathy.
Shirley Schwarze says
My sympathy to You Margie and family. Merlin was member of Western Mounted Paraders when Jim was member so there were many summer evenings spent together at Club house…Merlin was always ready for a good laugh, whether on giving or receiving end. You have lots of loving memories oh his well lived life.
Cory Klabunde says
I am sorry for your loss.
Merlin was an amazing person, father/grandfather, and friend.
My condolences to the family . My thoughts and prayers to everyone.
Jerry Busse says
Our Sympathy to Margie and All the Family! Merlin will be Dearly Missed, but Never Forgotten!
Deb and Jerry
Bruce and Barbara kuehn says
Our prayers go out to everyone, I just always thought he was the sweetest person ever. R.I.P Merlin
Steve and Marilyn Nutter says
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers for comfort and peace coming your way.
Ann Anderson says
My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. God has created another Angel. Fly high to the Heavens
Kathy Klitzke says
My deepest sympathy to you and your family
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
Our sympathies to the Klabunde family, cherish the memories.
Dick and Gail Hahn says
We are so sorry for your loss. prayers our love to all
Larry and Kay Husfeldt says
To the Klabunde Family,
Larry and Merlin were lifetime friends, from elementary through high school education. They shared time together in the National Guard and both remained a stones throw away from each other beginning their married lives. Merlin also introduced Larry to Kay Lacher at the Playmor ballroom. He thought they should know each other. We are grateful for his insight. Merlin, you will be dearly missed, especially when we always stopped to talk and visit about current news. Your humorous slant on life was priceless.
God bless the Klabunde family in this time of grief. The tears are there, ready to stream down your faces, but also a smile and a chuckle will light up your sadness when you recall Merlin’s spark for life. Our loving Savior will hold you in His ever lasting arms as you celebrate the well lived life of Merlin, your husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor.
In our prayers,
Larry and Kay Husfeldt
Bruce Rosenow says
My sympathy and prayers to you and your family Margie! Merlin was a friend to many!
Cheryl Mallak says
My deepest sympathy to the Klabunde Family. May God give you peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
It’s always hard to hear of the passing of a classmate’s parent. Hugs to you all!
Cheryl (Bunke) Mallak
Karen Johnson says
Merlin was a wonderful man who is now finding his rewards in Heaven. Sending hugs and prayers to the entire Klabunde clan.
Donna (Vasek Engelen says
My sympathies to the Klabunde family. Hugs and prayers to all of you..