Merlin G. Wallin

Merlin G. Wallin, age 77, of Litchfield, MN died on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the Ecumen Emmanuel Nursing Home in Litchfield, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Rosendale Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, MN and will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be held in the Rosendale Methodist Cemetery. Merlin Gerald Wallin, the son of Gerald and Bernita (Heinemann) Wallin was born on June 6, 1938 in Stockholm, WI. Merlin spent his early years in Stockholm and Buffalo City, WI. After graduating from Winona, MN High School he started his career in merchandizing with the F.W. Woolworth store in Rochester, MN. He graduated into the management program training that took him to various cities in MN, WI and Iowa. After completing the training program he was awarded stores in Hancock and Marquette, MI as manager. In 1970 Merle joined the Ben Franklin stores as a store opener for 7 states. He was later promoted as district supervisor in Rapid City, SD, Northern MN and WI. He then was brought into the regional office as a merchandise and apparel coordinator, traveling into 7 states. Merlin was united in marriage to Marlene Paulson on July 23rd 1973 at the United Methodist Church in Rosendale, MN. They resided in New Hope, MN until his job took them to Grayling, MI until his retirement from the Ben Franklin Stores in 1991. They returned to Minnetonka, MN where he started a 13 year career with the Eden Prairie Schools as a bus driver where he received the highest award given to a driver for his diligence working with the children he was charged with. When Marlene had a stroke, they chose to move to Litchfield, MN to be closer to Marlene's Church and family. Merle was hired on with the Hicks Bus line as a special needs driver for the Litchfield School District, where he worked for 7 years before retiring. Merlin enjoyed traveling, doing yard work, flower gardening and visiting friends and relatives. Merlin is survived by his wife Marlene; cousins Adeline Floness and Larry Wallin; numerous second and third cousins; sister in law Dianne Wallin; and nieces Dawn Leanne and Karla. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Dale, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.Previous Events Visitation Friday, February 12, 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, February 13, 2016 11:00 AM Rosendale Methodist Church Rosendale, MN