Merle Connors was born January 10, 1926 on a farm near Nye in Osceola Township, Wisconsin, to George and Katie Connors. He was baptized, 1926, and confirmed, 1939, through Zion Ev Lutheran Church. The family moved to East Farmington where Merle attended Oak Knoll School and Osceola High School, graduating in 1944. He farmed with his family and the tight-knit farming community until he was drafted by the US Army. Merle served as a land surveyor in the artillery observation battalion from September 1952 to September 1956, including a year in Korea. Upon returning, Merle trained in electronics at Northwestern Radio & TV Institute (Dunwoody, as of 2003) and worked in the computer industry for over 20 years, retiring from Unisys in 1981.

In 1980 Merle met his wife, Carol, and they spent the next 40 years enjoying their time together. They traveled, camped, attended music festivals and fairs, and spent time with family. Together, they made homes in St Paul, Apple Valley, and finally Forest Lake, where they gardened, read newspapers, and played cards. Merle enjoyed snowmobiling, Sudoku, watching car races and sporting events. He was an entertaining story teller and always ready for an adventure.

Survived by nieces and nephews, Kevin (Megan), Karen, Michael, Martha (Andy), Joyce (Eugene), James (Julie), Patricia, Betty, and Gerald; special granddaughter, Melissa (Hans); and other family members and friends. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Carol; brothers James (Myrtle) and Eugene (Betty).

Last Update: May 12, 2025 1:14 pm CDT