Merlyn Joseph Nielson

“The Road of Life”

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved soul, Merlyn Nielson, of Midway (Rural Yankton), who reached the end of his journey on March 5, 2025. Born on the boundless prairies of South Dakota August 3, 1930, Merlyn lived a life defined by silent strength, hard work, and unwavering faith. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. He leaves behind a legacy of service, humble dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved and served.

Born and raised in Midway, once a thriving little community built by his family, Merlyn came from humble beginnings. As a child, he was known for his mischievous nature, always pulling pranks and playing practical jokes on his sisters and cousins. As he grew older, he learned the value of hard work and the strength found in life’s simplest pleasures. It wasn’t long before he embarked on a journey that would define his legacy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Merlyn became a truck driver and spent his life hauling stock, grain, and hay for farmers across the counties surrounding Midway.

Though trucking and raising family kept him busy, Merlyn made time for hunting, fishing, and bowling in seasonal leagues. Without fail, he always made time for his gardening, taking great pride in growing it from seed in his basement green room. It was a labor of love—starting each plant with care and watching it flourish. His flowers, especially the moss roses that filled his flower beds, were a testament to his patience and passion. Gardening wasn’t just a hobby for Merlyn; it was an extension of the quiet care he put into everything he did. He was a tinkerer and could fix, build or rig about anything he set his mind to… a true man of his times.

His work didn’t end there—Merlyn was very meticulous, with a keen eye for detail. He used those talents to decorate wedding cakes with such precision that it seemed impossible for his hard laboring hands to create such intricate beauty. And, every season, he put his skills to use painting the Our Redeemer Church sign. His handwriting and artistry were perfection, carefully forming each letter with the same precision that defined his life.

Merlyn attended church faithfully and served as a Deacon, playing many key roles behind the scenes. He diligently kept the books for the offering and took on the responsibility of cemetery maintenance, ensuring everything was well kept. He didn’t need to speak much to show his dedication; his work, his actions, and his integrity did all the talking. He showed his love through his work and his commitment to the people around him.

Whether it was driving truck, messing in his shop, tending to his gardening or helping the church, Merlyn simply did what needed to be done, and did it well. He had a sense of quiet confidence, but his always prevalent quick wit, sense of humor and gentleman’s smile taught us all to never take life too seriously and it has left a lasting impression on all who knew and admired him.

In his later years, Merlyn remained sharp, enjoying a morning read of the daily newspaper and a good baseball game. But it was his wonder of nature—especially the birds—that captivated him most. He would sit quietly, watching them at the feeder outside his window, and smirk in delight at the serenity.

Though Merlyn has now traveled his last mile, his legacy will continue to guide us. His commitment and strength to handle whatever life threw his way will never be forgotten. As we remember him, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit, like a truck on the open road, will keep moving forward—steady and sure. Rest in peace, Merlyn. Your journey may have reached the end of the road, but the memories you’ve left behind will continue to roll on. In God’s care, may you keep on truckin’.

Merlyn is survived by his 5 children: Pam Gooby and friend Chip of Yankton, Steve and friend Colleen of Irene, SD, Stanley and Lyn of Chincoteague, VA, Corey and friend Brenda of Maricopa, AZ and Todd and friend Bev of Sioux Falls, SD; 5 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Shirley Christensen of Yankton; friend, Carol Munkvold of Viborg; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Those that preceded him to their union with God were his parents, Joseph and Margaret (Swanson); sister, Corrine and brother-in-law Hudge Nelson; brother-in-law, Dennis Christensen; ex-wife and good friend, Dorothy Nielson; and friend, Elsie Holsether.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in rural Irene, South Dakota with Reverend Marlin Wangsness officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. He will be laid to rest at a later date during a private family burial west of Midway in the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery and join generations of Nielson’s since they first came to this prairie and found their way home to God. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery.