Merlin E. "Mert" Christiansen

Merlin E. “Mert” Christiansen, 80, of Humboldt, passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at Humboldt Long Term Care.

Mert was born July 12th, 1945, in Denison, Iowa, the son of Earl and Esther (Brandenburg) Christiansen. He graduated from Denison High School then attended Wayne State College where he received his bachelor's degree in education. He was united in marriage to Carol McNaughton on July 30th, 1966. Mert taught sixth grade in Humboldt and Algona for over 30 years and positively impacted the lives of his students who will forever remember him as “Mr. C”. He was a dependable and compassionate man, always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, friends, and community. Mert found joy spending quality time with his wife and family and was known as the master of card games such as cribbage and Shanghai. Mert valued working in his yard and tending to his garden, as well as cheering on the Hawkeyes (and even the Cyclones). Mert was extremely talented in crafting woodwork projects that will be forever cherished by his family, the church, and the community. He was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church and was active in Alcoholics Anonymous.

He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Missy (Lee) Smith, son Jeff (Tricia) Christiansen, his grandchildren; Rebekah (Austin) Hayden, Meg Christiansen, Gabe and Grace Smith, his brother Larry (Karen) Christiansen, and nieces Sarah (Rick) Hebert and Stephanie (Scott) Paine.

Private family graveside service will take place at Union Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 20th at the Mason Lindhart Funeral and Cremation Service in Humboldt. www.mason-lindhart.com