Merland Hendrickson

Merland M. Hendrickson, age 92, of Colfax, ND, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at his home in Fargo, ND. Visitation will be on Monday, January 20, 2020, from 10 AM to 11 AM, followed by his funeral service at 11 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Colfax. Pastor Julé Ballinger will officiate the service. Burial will be at a later date in Fairview Memorial Gardens, Wahpeton, ND.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home.

Merland Marvin Hendrickson was born to Henry and Esther (Mauseth) Hendrickson on January 22, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up on a farm outside of Colfax and attended one room grade schools, known then as the Mauseth School and Pitcairn School. He graduated from Colfax High School.

On May 29, 1944 Merland enlisted in the US Army Specialized Training Reserve program at 17 years old with the 77th Infantry Division as a Private. After completing his two-year tour of duty, he discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant. He returned to school and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from NDAC, now known as NDSU, Fargo, ND.

Merland was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Erma Walberg on July 19, 1952 at Viking Lutheran Church. Together they raised four children and farmed in Abercrombie Township, ND. When Erma was teaching in rural one room schools, Merland would go visit her, his "girlfriend" as he lovingly referred to her as. They enjoyed their trips to San Diego, CA, Brownsville, TX, and even found time to go to Nashville, TN and Florida. This all happened after their kids had graduated from high school and were off to college, because education was very important to them and all four children graduated with a four-year degree from either NDSU or UND.
He served on the Sugar Beet Institute Committee, the Richland County Farm Bureau, Director of Richland Fertilizer, and was Director of Galchutt Oil. He also was on the building committee of Our Savior’s Church and served as Treasurer of the building fund.

Merland is survived by his children, Daniel Hendrickson, Colfax, ND, Deborah (Sid Berg) Mitskog, Colfax, ND, DiAnn (John) Kehrwald, Sioux Falls, SD, Paul (Sue) Hendrickson, Colfax, ND; his grandchildren, Brian (Jordan) Olthoff, Wahpeton, ND, Matthew Mitskog, Mooreton, ND, Hannah (Trevor) Doll, Mandan, ND; his sister-in-laws, Phayme Hendrickson, Fargo, ND, Elaine Walberg, Calhan, CO, Marion Walberg, Fargo, ND; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Erma; parents, Henry and Esther Hendrickson; and his brother, Lavern.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Our Savior’s Memorial Fund.

Merland's Memorial Folder