Merlin Tonneson, age 89 of Newburg, N.D. passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Center in Bottineau, N.D. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 16 ^th at 11:00 am at the Newburg Senior Center, Newburg.

Merlin was born on April 13, 1930 at home in Newburg, to Nick and Gladys Tonneson. He was raised in Newburg and graduated from Newburg High School. After high school he worked at Tonneson's Store, delivered bottle gas and helped his dad farm. Years later he took over the farming and Tonneson Store where he retained ownership until his retirement.

He married Marilyn Thompson from Bottineau, N.D. in 1953. They had two children Dave and Melanie before Marilyn passed away in 1959. He married Phyllis Lemieux of Bottineau, N.D. on October 2, 1960. They had four children Paulette, Kimberly Jo, Kimberly Kay and Shan.

He was on many Newburg boards and committees over the years such as Town council, Dovre Lutheran Church council, and the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a Boy Scout Leader for many years as well as an active member of Dovre Lutheran Church.

He enjoyed his time at The Round Table with many of his friends. He spent many years working on old cars, motorcycles, and planes and was a collector of cars, guns and coins. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many hunting trips over the years. He loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. In his later years he enjoyed visiting all the local businesses. He loved spending time on the deck watching the traffic go by, the Post Office flag blow, the birds and squirrels playing, the trees changing and was often seen catching a few naps.

He is survived by Phyllis Tonneson and his children Dave (Lisa) Tonneson of Newburg, ND, Melanie (Bill) Deschamp of Wall Lake, MN, Paulette Vedvik of Newburg, ND, Kimberly (Adrian) Zettell of Coeur d' Alene, ID, Shan (Wendi) Tonneson of Bottineau, ND. He is also survived by his sister Lettie Graber of Minneapolis, MN. Grandchildren Tevis (Jill) Deschamp, Mandie (Steve) Stulz, MacKenzie (Michael) Deschamp, Jonas (Tammany) Tonneson, Dakota (Dana) Tonneson, Chelsea (Jason) Blada, Sophie and Whitni Peck, Si Tonneson, Giovanna and Natalia Zettell. Great grandchildren Nicholas, Hunter, Delaney, Alexis, Steve, Katie, Vaylen and Baby girl Blada due in June. 1 Great great grandchild Levi. 1 Nephew Bruce (Denise) Graber and 1 Niece Tami (Kelly) Odenthal and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother Ivan Arthur, a daughter Kimberly Jo, a grandson Mason Zettell and brother in law Richard (Dick) Graber.

Suggested memorials to Dovre Lutheran Church, Dovre Cemetery or Good Samaritan center, Bottineau.

Merlin was always whistling, had a joke to share and leaves behind so many memories for everyone who knew him.