Merle Nikolaisen February 28th, 1924 - August 7th, 2016 Merle Nikolaisen passed away August 7, 2016, at the Clarkfield Care Center with hospice at the age of 92. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 12, 201,6 at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Church in Clarkfield with Rev. Doug Clevenger officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before services on Friday and interment will be in Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery. Merle Duane Nikolaisen was born February 28, 1924, to Jake and Viola (Hobbs) Nikolaisen in Rodney, Iowa. When he was seven years old he moved with his family to rural Canby Minnesota. At age 13 the family moved near Clarkfield. Merle attended country school and completed the eighth grade in Clarkfield. He quit school to help his dad farm. Farming was in his blood at an early age. Merle married Dorothy Larson on January 1, 1944, at Israel Lutheran Church in rural Clarkfield. He joined the army in 1945. He served in the Military Police, stationed in Hawaii. After his discharge, Merle returned to Clarkfield and continued to farm. To the union of Merle and Dorothy were born Jerry and Julie. In 1986, Merle and Dorothy moved off the farm into Clarkfield. Merle continued to farm with the assistance of Jerry. Merle could be seen walking in his fields daily. He was very dedicated to producing a good crop. He had pride in his straight rows even before GPS. Merle loved farming and was proud to be a farmer. Merle and Dorothy enjoyed many years wintering in Arizona and made great friends there. Dorothy passed away in 2008. After her death, Merle moved to Valhalla Apartments. This was a huge adjustment but he learned to be a good cook and prepared breakfast for Jerry most days. He had many friends at Valhalla and received wonderful care. His favorite pastime was playing cards with his buddies Alida, Doris, Elda, Margaret and Reuben and others at Valhalla and going to Boyd Senior Center with Dennis and Howie. He also loved to read. His intelligence and deep humility will be missed. In March, Merle's health started to decline and he then moved to the Clarkfield Care Center. This is where he received loving care with hospice until he passed away. Merle wasn't one to express emotion but he loved his family and he was proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Merle is survived by his two children, Jerry and Pat Nikolaisen of Clarkfield, Julie and Jim Friberg of Menomonie WI; three grandchildren: Nathan and Tara Nikolaisen, N. Mankato, MN, Nicole and Chad Young, Mankato, MN and Anthony and Kelsey Friberg of Eden Prairie MN; eight great- grandchildren: Madison Nikolaisen, Brody Nikolaisen, Cayne Nikolaisen, Griffin Nikolaisen, Ethan Young, Catelyn Young, Courtney Young and Abigail Friberg; his brother, Dale (Ardys) Nikolaisen; sisters-in-law: Joyce Nikolaisen and Grace Larson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothea, in 2008, his parents; a sister, Shirley Peterson; and brothers: Warren Nikolaisen, Robert Nikolaisen, and Darrel Nikolaisen. We miss you bumpa! Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota