Merl Ivan Emmert

Merl “Ivan” Emmert was born on June 30, 1940 in Aitkin, Minnesota, the son of Clifford and Nota G. (Shanholtzer) Emmert. He was called from this life on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, Minnesota. He attained the age of 76 years, 10 months and 2 days.

Ivan grew up in Aitkin until the age of 7 when his family moved to Hancock, Minnesota in the spring of 1948 to farm. Ivan attended rural school in Pope County and graduated from Hancock High School in 1958. In 1959, he married Sharon Petz and to this union 3 children were born, Robin in 1960, Sue in 1964, and Robert in 1965.

Ivan bought his farm in 1959. In 1973, he married Teresa Marquardt and to this marriage 2 sons were born, Andy and Chris. They enjoyed more than 43 years of marriage together.

Ivan enjoyed reading Westerns and Mysteries, cribbage, horse shoes, farming, deer hunting, fishing, attending family events, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Teresa; children: Sue (Jerry) VanderWeyst of Benson, Robert (Nancy) Emmert of Dawson, Andy (Rachel) Emmert of Hancock, and Chris (Deanna) Emmert of Hancock; grandchildren: Alicia Schuh, Sarah Matthews, Brian VanderWeyst, Merle VanderWeyst, and Daniel VanderWeyst ~ Travis Wrobleski, Bradley Olson, and Robert Olson ~ Ethan Emmert and Megan Emmert ~ Alison Emmert and Bailee Emmert; great-grandchildren: Claire and Thor ~ Isaac, Noah, Ella, and Emma; his siblings: Wayne (Alice) Emmert of Alexandria, Nellie Anderson of Alberta, Larry (Shirley) Emmert of Blaine, and Jerry Emmert of Evansville; and a sister-in-law, Carol (Jerry) Versteeg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Nota; a son, Robin Merl Emmert in 1999; and one brother, Dale Emmert. Blessed be his memory.