Merlin Pickle

Merlin "Merle" Pickle ( Feb 24, 1925 - Apr 27, 2015 ) St. Louis Park Born Feb. 24, 1925 at Ft. Ridgley, Renville County, MN to Claude and Blanche (Hagestead) Pickle. The family moved to Kimball when Merlin was in 7th grade and he graduated from Kimball HS in 1942. Merlin served in the US Army Air Corps as a radar mechanic from 1944-1946. After returning from the service at age 22, he contracted polio. On June 18, 1947 he married Betty Jean Brown. He enrolled in Business College in Sept. 1947 and upon completion was employed by Nash Finch Company in St. Cloud, later moving to their Mpls. headquarters. Merle transferred to a company owned by Nash Finch: CH Robinson Co. and in 1987 retired as VP of Finance and Treasurer. After retirement, he joined the St. Louis Park Golden Kiwanis, serving as treasurer for 12 years, and was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star. Preceded in death by parents and two brothers, Dean and George. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty; sons, Gerald (Linda) and Robert (Sharon); grandchildren, Andrew (Elise), Brian (Kristin), Daniel (Rachel), Michelle (Jeff) and Matthew; sister, Inez Hornibrook; sister-in-law, Jane Pickle; many nieces, nephews and friends. Special thanks to PN Methodist Hospital 4E, 6N, PNMH Hospice and Dr. Jeffrey Mandel for the care and compassion shown to Merlin and family. Burial at Kimball Cemetery, Fri., May 8 at 1PM. Memorials preferred to Lenox Foundation, Methodist Hospital Hospice or to the donor's choice.