Merton Ray Hutchinson, 84, of Thief River Falls, MN, died on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his residence.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM Monday, June 17, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN.

Burial will be at EV German Cemetery, Middle River, MN.

On September 12, 1939, Mert was born as a twin with his brother, Marvin Jay, to Otto Clyde and Beatrice Leora (Kuehn) Hutchinson at Thief River Falls, MN. He attended school in Goodridge, MN, and after leaving school, he helped his father on the family farm. At age 18, Mert did odd jobs in the region – farming, construction, and logging, alongside brother-in-law, Stanley Olson – before joining the Minnesota National Guard in 1962. On April 6, 1967, Mert was united in marriage to Juanita Marie Burrell in Sisseton, SD, then residing in Thief River Falls, MN. They met at Inga's Cafe', where Juanita waitressed, and she said that Mert was "a big tease". He then started working with Maynard Wedul Trucking, where he hauled livestock to Fargo, ND, and St. Paul, MN. He would bring back freight on his way home. In 1969, Mert bought the trucking business from Maynard, and named the business Thief River Trucking. On September 27, 1997, Juanita passed away peacefully at home.

In 2004, he sold Thief River Trucking to his son, Paul. Mert then continued to drive truck on short hauls for various companies. His son, Paul, died on March 19, 2015. Mert began driving school bus for the Thief River Falls School District part-time in 1997, transitioning to a full-time position in 2011. He did this until his passing. To fill his free time when the school closed during COVID, he began working with Thygeson Construction as an end dump driver, where he was also still working currently.

Mert had a hard work ethic and was fiscally responsible, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was a great storyteller with a sarcastic wit, which could be a bit unfiltered– you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth. He loved socializing, chatting (flirting) with waitresses, and would always care for others, frequently choosing to donate money or winnings, and helping his friends and family out when they were down on their luck. Besides his passion for trucks and machinery, he also enjoyed cruising the backroads, Dairy Queen ice cream, chocolate, and history and genealogy. He especially loved spending time with his family, always making time to visit with his siblings, children, and grandchildren. Over the years, Mert developed a strong attachment to all the bus kids, always looking out for their well-being, and always handing out sweets. Mert had a deep sense of responsibility for family, friends, community, and country. He had the great opportunity to attend the Veterans' Honor Flight with his brothers this past May, an experience he was very proud and grateful for.

Mert is survived by children: Cindy (Scott) Brandon, Middle River, MN; Boni (Todd) Fossell, Karlstad, MN; Michele Hutchinson, Thief River Falls, MN; 16 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; siblings: Marvin (Eilene) Hutchinson, Thief River Falls, MN; James Hutchinson, Thief River Falls, MN; Virginia Wells, Goodridge, MN; and Lorraine Olson, Big Lake, MN; dear friend, Mary Bruggeman, Thief River Falls, MN; brother-in-law, Conrad (Jean) Burrell, Middle River, MN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Juanita; son, Paul Hutchinson; grandson, Cody Brandon; parents Clyde and Bea Hutchinson; grandson-in-law, Lars Sundberg; great-grandson Ethan Block; sister, Shirley Ann Russell; parents-in-law, Carl and Adeline Burrell; brothers-in-law, Ronald Burrell, Bernard Wells, Stanley Olson, Morris Russell; sisters-in-law, Norma Hutchinson and Beverly Burrell, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.