Merlin Holerud

Lodi/Spring Valley-Merlin D. "Red" Holerud, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 25, 2012. He was born on February 2, 1936 on the home farm in rural Spring Valley, the son of Herman and Jennie (Formoe) Holerud. Merlin served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for 40 years at the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

He was active in the Lodi Curling Club, a charter member of the Yellow Thunder Snowmobile Club, and an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time with his family and friends. On May 5, 1962 he was united in marriage to Rose Helgeson at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. Merlin is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Rose; two children, Todd (Lisa) Holerud and Shellie (Alan) Roberds; four grandchildren, Nik, Ben, Sydnie and Dylan; several other adopted grandchildren; four sisters, Harriette Sorenson, Judith Jensen, Lucille Gedatus and Helen Lorentson; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Raymond, James and Glenn.

Visitation will be held at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 206 Pleasant Street in Lodi, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, Highway 29 in Spring Valley, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to St. John's Cemetery Association or to the charity of the donor's choice.  Arrangements by Hamre Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care, Lodi, Wisconsin (608-592-3201  www.gundersonfh.com).  Local arrangements are by Keehr Funeral Home (www.keehrfuneralhome.com), Spring Valley.