Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather 

Passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025. Born February 21, 1944, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Roy and Norma Abrahamson and grew up in the Como Park neighborhood. Merle earned his BA in Education from St. Cloud State University and Master’s from the University of St. Thomas. He served as a Staff Sergeant with the Army National Guard and dedicated 31 years to teaching in St. Paul Public Schools, where he left a lasting impact on countless students. He married Joyce Lynn Churchill in 1966, and their 45-year marriage was filled with love and partnership until her passing.

Merle deeply cherished their life together. He is survived by sons Craig (Dena) and Cary (Whitney); grandchildren Sydney, Mason, and Neil; brother Robert (Delores); nieces Karla (Shawn) and Kirsten. Merle was a long-time member of King of Kings Lutheran Church and was known for hard work, generosity, and willingness to help others. As a young man he helped with his father’s masonry business and restored a Ford Model A that he proudly drove on his wedding day. Merle taught driver’s education and later built a remote cabin in northern Minnesota where he spent summers with friends. He also found joy in travel – cruising to Alaska, Europe, Central America, the Caribbean –and treasured time with loved ones across Minnesota and Florida. Visitation at 10:00 AM, funeral service at 11:00, with lunch reception at King of Kings Lutheran Church (1583 Radio Dr. Woodbury) April 18, 2025. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Minneapolis.

The family extends special thanks to Cambridge Senior Living staff in Hudson for their compassionate support. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.