Mervel Reed

Mervel Reed, age 95 of Osakis died early Monday morning, June 4, 2007 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN.
Mervel was born on October 27, 1911 in Newell, Iowa to Fred and Ida (Taft) Reed. He was married to Wava Akin on April 2, 1941 in at the parsonage of the Reynolds Baptist church in rural Long Prairie, MN. Mervel farmed southwest of Osakis for over 64 years, retiring only two years ago at the age of 93! He loved life in the country and working the land. He was an excellent gardener and he and his wife, Wava raised and sold raspberries each summer. They would provide the fresh fruit to area grocery stores, selling up to 100 pints in a season.
Mervel was a member of the First Baptist church in Alexandria and belonged to the XYZ (extra years of zest) senior group. He was a strong supporter of the 4-H club and a natural musician, he especially loved to play guitar. Mervel enjoyed watching the MN Twins, getting together with friends for a game of cards and was also an avid reader. Blessed be his memory.
He is survived by his children, Linda (David) Johnston of East Bethel, Eugene (Joan) Reed of Osakis, Patrick (Carl) Reed of Leonard, MN and Trudy O'Neill of Brooklyn Park; 7 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Mervel is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wava in 1994; brothers, Cyril, Harold (Pete) and Earl Reed; a sister, Alma Lunceford.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist church in Alexandria with Rev. Daryl Knappen officiating. Organist is Lynette Holm with Anna Pastian as the soloist. Interment is at the Gordon Pleasant Hill Cemetery in rural Osakis, MN. Casketbearers are Tim Poppen, Steve Johnston, Ross, Jason and Josh Reed, Chad Kremper.
Arrangements are being handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral in Osakis, MN.