Carolyn E. Merck

ROCHESTER - Carolyn E. Merck, 85, died Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Golden Living Center East in Rochester. Carolyn was born in Soudan, MN on August 26, 1924 to Ernest and Myrtle (Sundeen) Lundahl. She married Pastor Raymond Laverne "Vern" Merck in 1954 in Soudan, MN. Carolyn worked as a switchboard operator, a secretary at Soudan Grade School, and an in-home childcare provider. Following Vern's graduation from Bethel Seminary, they were called to Sandy Lake Baptist Church near Duluth, MN for 3 years where she played piano for worship and taught Sunday School. They moved to Rochester in 1958 and attended Faith Church, pastored by Rev. Ray Logan, where Carolyn taught Sunday School. Then they were called to Viola Community Church for 25 years where she played piano for worship and taught Sunday School class. In Rochester, she worked at Woolworths for 19 years. Carolyn enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, doing the search a word, watching basketball, and babysitting her grandchildren. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Raymond Laverne; three children, Gordon Merck, of Minneapolis, Brenda (Mark) Garbisch, of Rochester, and Stanley Merck, of Hastings; and three grandchildren, Cassandra, Christopher, and Joshua Garbisch.Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Burton and Donald; a daughter, Kathy; and two sons, Jeffrey and Robert.A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 5500 25th Ave. NW, with Rev. Larry Orth officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Camp Victory or Schaeffer Academy.Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN.(507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com