Merlin J. Harper
Wednesday, September 27, 1950
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Age:
66 years old
Visitation
Date: Tuesday February 21, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Wednesday February 22, 2017
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Wednesday February 22, 2017
Time: 10:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery East [ view map ]
Luncheon
There will be a lunch following the committal service at the cemetery. Those who are not attending the cemetery may make their way over to Kings Crossing (915 21st Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904) and the family will join them when finished.
http://www.kingscrossingbarandgrill.com/
Wednesday, September 27, 1950
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Age:
66 years old
Wednesday, September 27, 1950
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Age:
66 years old
Merlin J. Harper
Merlin Jay Harper, 66, died Saturday, February 18, 2017, at his home following a long fight with cancer.
Merlin is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy; his daughters, Cindy (Nick) Hageman, and Julie (Jeff) Weaver; his mother Eileen Harper; brother Ronald (Carol) Harper; his granddaughters Tia Hageman, Shae Hageman, and Quinn Weaver; special family friends Rose and Kevin Smith and family; as well as many other close family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Jay Harper.
He was born on September 27, 1950 to Jay and Eileen Harper in Stockport, Iowa. After marrying Judy in 1971, he began a lifelong career as a meat cutter for Hy-Vee, which would take the family to Rochester, MN in 1981. He remained with Hy-Vee until his retirement in 2012.
Merlin enjoyed wood working, fishing, golfing, and watching Vikings football with friends. He could always be counted on by friends and neighbors to offer a helping hand. Those who knew him best know that some of his favorite memories were made in “The Shop”, which always had an open door and a cold beverage waiting for friends and family.
Visitation will be held at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel on Tuesday, February 21 from 4:00-7:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 am at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to Eastern Star Rochester Chapter 193 for Cancer Research or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Condolences
The family of Merlin J. Harper has received the following condolences.
Judy and family,
We were so sad to hear about Merlin. Wish we were closer and could have attended the service. Please know we are thinking of you all and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Doyle and Nancy Syfert
Marcia and I pass on our sympathy of Merlin's passing, I first meet Merlin in third grade, we had many good times together through our high school years.
I am honored to be able to call Merlin a friend, Judy hang onto the good memories and let family and friends provide you the comfort you need.
Our prayers and sympathy are with you.
blessings
Stan and Marcia Huff
The loss of a loved one is a very sad and heavy load to bare. May you find comfort at Acts 24:15 "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Judy,
Sorry to hear of Merlin's passing. I remember growing up in Hillsboro and going to Harper's store. Merlin, Jimmy Swartout, Mike Coleman, my brother, Steve and I ran around after school. We went to the drive in and just enjoyed each others company. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Is Eileen still in Fairfield? Please tell her hi for us.
Jim & Beth Ross
Sorry for your loss. Steve has lots of fond memories of knowing and working with Merlin at Hy-Vee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Judy and family we are so sorry to hear about Merlin's passing know that are prayers and thoughts are with you all. We will be back in MN the first of April so will then contact you. Again are thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.
A great man has left us and we will miss his quick wit and wonderful smile.
he will be catching those walleyes for god now.
Harper family we are so sorry for your loss.