Max Merriman

Max Merriman, age 92 of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, January 8, 2021. Max was born May 26, 1928 in Pierce County to Arvia and Inez (Roatch) Merriman. He went to school in Ellsworth with the Class of 1945. At the age of 16, he began working at the Ellsworth Creamery among various other jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, following the footsteps of his older brothers in the armed forces. After living in Milwaukee, WI for a short time he was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson in River Falls, WI on November 27, 1948. Their marriage was blessed with two children Gwen and Lila. Max worked for 35 years at Andersen Windows in Bayport, MN before retiring in 1987.

Max was a devoted family man, who enjoyed hunting, camping, the Saddle Club, UWRF and high school football games with the “Chain Gang”, traveling, stopping at casinos, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of St. Bridget Catholic Church, as well as devoting 62 years to Legion Post 121. Max leaves behind a great example of hard work and love for his family.

Max will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 72 years, Betty; daughter, Gwen (Jim) Paulson of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Chad Sequin, Jess Seguin, and Travis (fiancé Alyssa) Paulson; Rhonda (John) Jensen of Ellsworth, WI, and Aaron (Shelly) Clay of River Falls, WI; Great-grandchildren Teagan Seguin, Jaxson, Michael, Arti, Brookston Seguin, Olivia Jensen, Madisyn, and Gavin Clay; Step grandchildren, Aaron (Jessica) Paulson and family and Andy (Emilee) Paulson and family; Jaelynn and Hope; brother, Everal “Bud”, brother in law Dwayne “Tom” Johnson and friend Jo, and many other friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Lila, siblings Lee “Putt”, Bill, Rex, Mavis, Donna Jean, twin sister Maxine, Monie, Merlin; mother and father-in-law Lyle and Margaret Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Norbert “Bud” and Lyle Junior “Hop”.

Mass of Christian Burial for Max will take place at 2:00p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls, with Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. A visitation (respecting social distancing and encouraging the use of masks) will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the start of Mass at church. The service will also be live-streamed on St. Bridget YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_AXfydSjKs. Pallbearers assisting with the services will be his grandchildren. Private interment will take place at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery following mass. Memorials are preferred to St. Bridget Catholic Church, Legion and Auxiliary Post 121, and Adoray Hospice of Baldwin. A Celebration of Life will also take place this spring/summer. Date to be determined. A special thank you to Max’s hospice nurse Cate and aide Martina.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.