Merton John Hansen passed away in Rochester, Minnesota on February 3, 2024, he was 88 years old. He was born to Merton and Elsie Hansen on September 3, 1935 in St. Paul, Minnesota. His family moved to a farm near Deer Park, Wisconsin where he grew up. Mert attended Amery High School and continued his education at UW River Falls, graduating in 1958. He and Joanne Paulson married on August 30, 1958 at East Immanuel Lutheran Church. After graduating, Mert began a lifelong career in the agricultural industry, first working for Doboy Industries in New Richmond as a chemist. Mert and Joanne raised three children, Sandra (Kevin Parker), Mark (Melanie) and Betsy. Eventually, the family moved to Southern Minnesota with Rochester becoming home for the past 40+ years.

While working in the Turkey industry as a consultant, Mert had the unique opportunity to purchase an island on Lake of the Woods near Sioux Narrows, Ontario. He, Joanne, and the kids enjoyed time together there where Mert was well known for his fishing skills, especially lake trout and walleye. They often welcomed friends and family to join them and a regular fishing companion on the boat was the puppy, Schnookums.

Mert's outgoing nature made everyone a friend. He enjoyed visiting with people and finding common connections (he always could!). Retirement allowed him to reach out to others by delivering meals on wheels and meeting his friends from the turkey industry for coffee. A lifelong learner, Mert loved to share World War II facts, especially facts related to airplanes.

Travel was another thing that Mert enjoyed.  Russia and the Arctic Circle, the Holy Lands, England and Scotland were just a few of the destinations that he reached. While in Israel, Mert was able to participate in believer's baptism in the Jordan River—an important event in his faith journey. He was also a friend of Bill W.

Mert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne; his children, Sandra (Kevin Parker), Mark (Melanie) and Betsy; three grandchildren, Gavin, Matthew and Maia; his sister Elaine; and his brothers, Charles and Roger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merton and Elsie, daughter, Anita and sister, Linda Hanna.

Funeral services will take place at 11:30 am on Friday, February 9, 2024 at East Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Amery. A visitation will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 am prior to the service at the church. A lunch will follow the service. Burial will take place at the East Immanuel Cemetery.