Thief River Falls – Merlyn Marie Hanson, 82, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Thief River Care Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Merlyn Marie Hinkley was born on August 22, 1941, to Harry and Josie (Wilkens) Hinkley in Crookston.
Merlyn graduated from Pershing High School in 1959 and was united in marriage to George Westlake on June 6, 1959. George and Merlyn were blessed with four children: George Jr. “Ike”, Allen, Mary and Connie. They farmed in Emardville Township, SE of Plummer. George Sr. died on May 3, 1983.
On July 14, 1984, Merlyn was united in marriage to Orlis D. Hanson in Fairbanks, AK. In 1986, they moved to Petaluma, CA where Merlyn worked as a CNA for 12 years. In August of 1998, they moved back to Thief River Falls where she has lived since. Orlis died on September 2, 2015.
Merlyn enjoyed reading, shopping, morning coffee at McDonald’s, watching TV, and quick trips to the Seven Clans Casino and Dairy Queen. But her biggest joy was being a grandma. She loved her grandchildren so much.
Merlyn is survived by three children: Allen (Elizabeth) Westlake, Crookston, Mary (Dave) Torgerson, Fertile, Connie (Mitch) Hemmesch, Thief River Falls; grandsons: Isaac (fiancée Brittany Schyvinck) Westlake, Gold Canyon, AZ, Quinn Westlake, Grand Forks, ND; granddaughter: Jessica (Michael) Andersen, Strandquist; great grandchildren: Mariah & Mikale Kenfield and Jordan Andersen, Strandquist; step grandson: Adam (Kelly) Hanson, Woodbury; step great grandchildren: Grace, Luke, Jack & Sam Hanson, Woodbury; sister: Beverly (Dennis) Moen, Oklee; brother-in-law, Kenny Parsley, Brooks. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Merlyn was preceded in death by her husbands: George Westlake Sr. and Orlis D. Hanson; son: George “Ike” Westlake Jr.; parents: Harry and Josie Hinkley; sisters: Doris Nelson and Charlotte Parsley; brother: Marlo Hinkley, and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice of the Red River Valley and to Thief River Care Center for making her final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
May her memory forever be blessed.
Funeral Services were held at 11 am on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
Visitation was be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at Johnson Funeral Service.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
A00003B2023OT18