Merton drove pea and sweet corn truck for Bird’s Eye and worked for the Owatonna Canning Factory for several years before retiring. In his retirement, he worked part-time as a janitor for Josten’s.
He enjoyed horseback riding, bowling, and Senior Citizens Softball League
where he served as pitcher. Merton loved to dance to old time music and play his harmonica. He was an avid motorcycle rider, riding well into his 80s.
He is survived by daughter Linda Besser and son Rodney (Lois) Arnold,
of New Richland; grandchildren: Jimmie Arnold of Grand Meadow, MN, John (Ginger) Arnold of West Concord, MN, Robert Arnold and special friend Jessica of Geneva, Christopher Besser of New Richland, Curtis Besser of Freeborn and Tracie Rosacker of rural New Richland; 16 great grandchildren; former wife Ethel Arnold of New Richland; stepchildren and step grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gary, son-in-law Kenny Besser, his wife Earline, and siblings Wendell, Lee, Merrille, Goldie, Myrna and Thelma.
Merton enjoyed life to the fullest. Blessed be his memory!