Mervin "Merv" Anderson

Mervin R. Anderson of Stephen went home to the Lord on Friday, July 17, 2015. Merv was born at Viking, Minnesota on September 14, 1923 to William (Bill) and Malinda (Mina) Anderson. He was an only child and grew to manhood on the family farm near Viking. Merv graduated from Newfolden High School in 1941. He also attended business college in Minneapolis prior to returning to northern Minnesota to begin a long career as a grocer.

Merv married Thelma Anderson of Viking on May 31, 1947 and four children were born of this union. Merv managed several grocery stores in northwestern Minnesota until purchasing a grocery store in Stephen in 1953. Affectionately known by all as “Merv’s Red Owl”, Merv’s store was a mainstreet mainstay in Stephen for several decades until his retirement in 1983.

Merv was very active in the Stephen community. He was a long-time member of the Stephen Volunteer Fire Department, Stephen Civic and Commerce Association, Stephen Lion’s Club, and Stephen Golf Club. He also served a term on the City Council. Merv was a member of Bethlehem Covenant Church.

Merv was preceded in death by his wife Thelma in 1980. He is survived by his children: son Bruce Anderson and daughter-in-law Shelvie Anderson of Duluth, daughter Faye Jasmer and son-in-law Ron Jasmer of Grand Forks, son Donn Anderson of Stephen, and daughter Shirley Henrickson and son-in-law Todd Henrickson also of Stephen, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Evangelical Covenant Church in Kennedy, MN.

VISITATION: After 4:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday in First Lutheran Church in Stephen, MN and one hour before services on Thursday in Kennedy.

INTERMENT: Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN

 Service Information