Merle Weaver

Merle Alvin Weaver was born May 14, 1935 in Milaca, Minnesota to Floyd Alvin Weaver and Marion (Hirschi) Weaver.  He went home to our Lord on July 5, 2020, at the family home on Lake Ada near Backus, MN, at the age of 85, surrounded by his family.

Merle married Naree Farber on June 12, 1958, and they began their life and family in the Twin Cities where Merle worked as a truck driver and for a contractor.

In 1971 Merle and Naree purchased Old Point Comfort Resort near Backus. Merle began making an impact, not only in the local community but also in the lives of everyone who stayed at the resort. To this day former guests of the resort still remark about the memories that Merle and Naree provided with their hard work and hospitality.

Merle took his knowledge from building at the resort and the maintenance it required and then ran Merle Weaver Construction for almost 20 years. The homes and cabins he built on Lake Ada and the surrounding area continue to demonstrate his commitment to quality construction.

Merle entered the workforce again at age 77 to work for the Cass County Highway Department. It was a bucket list job for this former farm boy to drive the big green John Deer Tractor and mower, covering many miles of Cass County roads all summer long.

Merle was an active member of the Lake Ada Association, The Old Point Comfort Homeowners Association, The Lakers Car Club, the Ponto Township Board, and the Ponto Knight Riders Snowmobile Club. His contributions to these organizations are too numerous to list.

Even with his sunup to sundown work ethic, Merle always found time to put his family and friends first. He could be found watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events, plays, and recitals. As he pointed out, if he got bored, all he had to do is drive a bit until he found someone he could visit with. He loved to visit and hated to say goodby.

Each Sunday for the past 45 years, you could find him at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he would usher. He was a fixture at the church and spent countless hours serving on the council, fixing anything that needed to be fixed or just helping others.

Merle is survived by his wife of 62 years, Naree (Farber) Weaver; children, Michelle Holden (Terry), Michael Weaver (Amy), and Mark Weaver; grandchildren: Aimee Watson (Zac), Jeffrey Holden, Jayse Weaver, Logan Weaver, and Breanna Breun (Drew); great-grandchildren: Evelyn Watson, Warren Watson, and Waylen Watson; sister, Audrey Broberg; and brother, Marvin Weaver. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Morris Weaver; sister, Carol Haley; and grandson, Jason Holden.

Services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2020, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hackensack, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:30 p.m., with the Reverend Judy Thompson-Reitz officiating.  Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home. Memorials can be directed to the Ponto Knight Riders Snowmobile Club.