Merle Norman Killian

Merle Norman Killian, age 85, of Staples, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie. Merle was born on March 14, 1936, in Nashwauk to Merle & Ellen Dorit (Nichols) Killian. He married Dorothy Ringler on November 29, 1957, and together they had 6 children. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 64 years, Dorothy; children: Randy (Lillian), Russell (Lesa), Leslie, Jesse (Janie), Bethany (Michael) Bennett; siblings: Harley (Evelyn), Eileen (Jim) Smith, Nancy Killian and Betty Killian; grandchildren: Megan (Derek St. John), Tucker (Phylicia Ludke), Aidan, Victoria, Gunnar, Jude, Johnny, Jazie and Juliet; great-granddaughter, Kora Moon. Merle is preceded in death by his parents, and infant daughter, Rachel Lynn. A memorial service for Merle will be held at the Assembly of God Church in Staples at 11AM on Friday, December 17, 2021. Visitation will be one hour to the service.