Merlin Kosel

Merlin Otto Kosel was born, August 1, 1917 to August and Lillie (Neeb) in North Star Township on his parents farm. He attended Zion Lutheran School, Country School #56 and Sanborn Public School. After schooling he stayed home and helped his ailing father on the farm. Merlin was drafted into the Army in September 1942 and served mostly overseas. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945. Merlin married Joy Muriel Rasmussen on August 19, 1946 in Jeffers. After 43 years of marriage Joy passed in 1989. Merlin and his brother L.J. farmed and had a carpentry business for 40 years. Merlin and Joy retired in 1979 and moved into Sanborn in 1980. Merlin enjoyed fishing, farming, travel and spending time with his family. He served on the school board, church board, Sanborn Elevator board, Sanborn Holding Company board and American Legion serving as the treasurer. On November 10, 1990 Merlin married Glee Rasmussen. Following Glee's death in 1992, Merlin married Darlene Lavoia on April 13, 1996 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sanborn. Merlin died on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Darlene of Sanborn; sons - James (Nancy) Kosel of Sanborn, David (Marlene) Kosel of Wanda, Dale Kosel of Austin; daughters - Annette (Chuck) Sportel of Roseland, MN, Dawn (Rick) Rykhus of Tracy, MN;10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sisters - Gladys Krentz of Kensington, MN and Delores Knoll of Groton, SD; and a sister-in-law - Doris Kosel of Springfield. He is preceded in death by his parents; son - Keith in 1966; wives - Joy Rasmussen in 1989, Glee Meyer in 1992, and a brother - L.J. Kosel.