Merle Johnston

A celebration of life gathering for Merle Dean Johnston, 92, of Arnolds Park, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 2-5 p.m. at The Hutt Bar & Grill in Arnolds Park. The family requests memorials be given to Lakes Regional Hospice in Spirit Lake. He passed away on Aug. 3, 2024, at his 536 Dam Road home.

Merle was born in Greenfield to Clair and Mary (Sackett) Johnston on April 3, 1932. Merle grew up attending country school and graduated from high school in Greenfield. The eldest of five children, Merle left the family farm working for Sherwin Williams, American Cyanamid, Halsne International, and Jacobsen Homes.

Merle enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country from 1953-54.

Merle met the love of his life while working in Omaha. Merle and Jeanette "JJ" were married on Dec. 29, 1956, at the little brown church in Nashua. That relationship resulted in two children, Mark and Lisa.

To know Merle was to love Merle. His entire life was built around service and stewardship to his family and others. As a carpenter and a concrete worker, he embodied everything it means to serve others with compassion, integrity and the heart of a saint.

Merle is survived by his son, Mark, and wife, Karol; his daughter, Lisa, and husband Todd; one brother, two sisters, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Merle was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 60 years, Jeanette; mother, Mary; and father, Clair; brothers, Wayne and Bobby Lee.

Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.