Merle Oliver Bjornrud, age 87 of Newfolden, MN went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in St, Raphael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth with Beulah, the love of his life, and family at his side. He was born September 23, 1930 in Newfolden, the son of Ole and Myrtle (Dyrud) Bjornrud and married Beulah Hanson on June 20, 1952 in Newfolden. Merle farmed on the family farm in Marsh Grove Twp. since he was a young child, was a heavy equipment operator, was a mechanic/ bus driver for Newfolden Schools, a mechanic for Falls Diesel in Thief River Falls, and was a mechanic for Newfolden Implement. Merle was an active member of the Evangelical Free Church of Newfolden where he had served as a deacon and the chairman. He served on the Newfolden City Council, was a volunteer Fireman, city constable, a member of the Gideon’s, and the emcee for the Newfolden Area Gospel String Band. Merle enjoyed reading the Bible and visiting nursing homes with Beulah, sharing music and devotions.  He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Merle is survived by his wife of 65 years Beulah; children: Marlin (Jeannine) Bjornrud of Embarrass, MN, Bonnie (Steve) Hanson of Bemidji, MN, Linda (Charles) Glanzer of  Beresford, SD, and Janet (Mike) Simonson of Lakeland, MN; siblings Lorraine of Sioux Falls, SD and Wayne of Thief River Falls, MN; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018 in the Evangelical Free Church of Newfolden. Pastor Marlin Bjornrud will officiate. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Church. Interment will follow in the Bethania Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred, and may be directed to the Gideon’s for Bible placement.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .