Merle Halsrud

Merle Halsrud, 92, of Humboldt, passed away April 15, 2015 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2015 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt with the Rev. Christy Ehrle officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Humboldt with full military rites by the Adams American Legion Post 119 and Sathers-Odgaard VFW Post 5240. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at the church. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home of Humboldt is in charge of arrangements.
Alvin Merle Halsrud was born July 1, 1922 on a farm near Ottosen, Iowa to Olaf and Laura (Bratland) Halsrud. He was raised and educated near Ottosen until his family moved to a farm near Bradgate. Merle met Elma Smith on a blind date and the couple was united in marriage on March 26, 1944 at the Rutland United Methodist Church. They farmed with his parents for a year until Merle was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He and Elma moved to Little Rock, AR where he received his basic training before being sent to Japan. Following his honorable discharge, the couple moved to Merle Heider’s farm for a year, then farmed in the Bradgate area for 12 years, before renting Otto and Mina Wehrspan's farm for 28 years. After their retirement, Merle and Elma moved to Humboldt and Merle continued to help their son, Jimmie on the farm until last fall.
Merle was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church. He enjoyed going to Rutland for coffee every morning. He also enjoyed auctions and helped the Hundertmarks for many years. Merle traveled to many places including Germany, Hawaii, California, Washington D.C., Washington State and many bus trips with the bank.
Merle is survived by his children, Jimmie (Cathy) Halsrud of Livermore, Gary (Carole) Halsrud of Rutland, and Judy (Ken) Hoodjer of Clarksville; grandchildren, Tammy and Travis McKimmey, Joe and Kayla Halsrud, Jason and Lacy Halsrud, Dennise and John Terwilliger, Jennifer and Jeremy Johnson, Steve Hoodjer, and Matt and Megan Hoodjer; great grandchildren, Tyler, Taylor, Tanner, and Taryn McKimmey, Tyson, Kennedy, Carson, and Montgomery Halsrud, Krystalle Abbas, Morgan and Casey Johnson, Jaxson Halsrud, Bennett Hoodjer, and Sophia Hoodjer. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Oswald, Maurice, Kenneth, and Gordy; two infant brothers; and two grandchildren, Jesse and Jeffery.