Obituary of Merlin R. Hills

Merlin R. Hills, Sr., age 86, of Saginaw, MN went to be with our Lord Wednesday, December 10, 2014. He was born October 20, 1928 in Barry, MN to Sidney and Mabel Hills. On February 8, 1949 Merle married Donna Mae Merrill. Merle worked 45 years as a sprinkler fitter, also co-owned and operated the Sprinkler Service Company, Inc., of Duluth for 17 years before retiring in 1992. He was a great husband, family man and friend to many. Merle liked to work with his hands and had patience that would not end. He was a God fearing man and loved his pastor and church. Merle liked to hunt and fish and gave gentle advice when asked. Merle was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Donna, in 2013; a daughter, Cindy Corbin; a granddaughter, Heidi Wold; his parents; two sisters, Betty Claassen and Margaret Hills; a brother, David Hills. He is survived by his children, Cathy Alaspa of Saginaw, Sue Christensen of Aitkin, Marilyn (Tom) Anderson of Coon Rapids, Merle (Linda) of Alborn and Mike (Sally) of Buffalo, MN; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Lawrence (Irene) of Albertville, MN, Danny (Ardelle) of Cloquet and Sidney (Nancy) of Sauk Center, MN; a sister, Phyllis (Ken) Kirwin of New Brighton, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers. Gathering of family and friend from 10am until the 11am memorial service Saturday, December 20th at Hope Lutheran Church, 4093 Munger Shaw Road, Cloquet. Inurnment will be at Pine River Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth, and 218-624-5200.