Merlin Bandel

Merlin Francis Bandel of Pequot Lakes passed away on the morning of February 25, 2020, at the age of 87. Merlin was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents Cecil and Lottie, one sister and one brother. Merlin is lovingly remembered by his four children: Joe (Annie) Bandel, Sherrie (Johnny) Johnson, Ruth (Charles) Messerschmidt, Tim (Colleen) Bandel; one brother and one sister: Glen Bandel, Beverly Mundell; twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; other family and friends.

Merlin was born in St. Mary’s hospital, Rochester, Minnesota on May 7, 1932. He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1950. He served in the Korean war, enjoyed farming and also worked as a carpenter, county truck driver and a tech at Brainerd State Hospital.

Merlin always wanted to be a farmer and enjoyed having animals on the farm and taking care of them. He was an avid hunter and gun collector and enjoyed sharing his love for both with anyone who would listen. Merlin’s love of animals and Carol’s love of plants and gardening were a good match and their lives were filled with both.

Services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes, with Pastor Stephen Blenkush officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A reception at Our Savior’s will follow the service and internment will occur at Kedron Cemetery, rural Pequot Lakes (Highway 17W). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.