Obituary of Merlin Edward Canfield

Merlin "Merl" Edward Canfield, 72, died peacefully Sept. 25, 2015 in St. Luke's Hospice surrounded by his family. Merl was born in Elk River, Minn., on March 23, 1943, to Stewart and Alice Canfield. He was a 1961 graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Coast Guard where he served six years and completed his college degree. Merl participated in varsity sports during high school but it was his love of music from an early age that gave him the greatest joy. He had a beautiful voice and shared this gift at many special occasions as well as forming and directing several church choirs. He was a talented musician who could play just about any instrument he picked up with the French horn and bass fiddle being his favorite. When he could no longer play, he appreciated listening to all genres of music. Merl spent the majority of his career working for Schmitt Music Company which is what brought his family to Duluth in 1975. Merl was a loving and devoted husband, father, and "papa". He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Suzanne; his daughters, Shelly Canfield (Meghan), Kristi (Jeff) Evanson, Cherie (Jim) Nienow, Heidi (Paul) Levisee; his grandchildren, Brady, Alexcee, Keighly, Bretta, Caden and McKenzee; sister, Marlene and brother, Gerald. His unconditional love, gentle spirit, amazing sense of humor, perseverance and steadfast faith are the legacy he leaves behind for those who knew and loved him. The family extends a special thank you to St. Luke's Hospice staff, St. Luke's physicians and the special caregivers he had over the years. VISITATION: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 in First Lutheran Church, 1100 E Superior St, Duluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church or to the St. Luke's Foundation, 1000 E. First St. Suite N102, Duluth, MN 55805.