Roy Mehrkens, 62, died on Friday, February 5, 2010 at Meritcare Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 10:30 AM in St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Reverend Aaron Zuch Officiating. Burial will be held in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 " 8 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Roy Roger Mehrkens was born on February 6, 1947 in Thief River Falls son of Marvin and Rodena (VanLith) Mehrkens. He was baptized, confirmed and lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.

Roy attended the Daisy Dale rural one room school for three years then completed his education in Thief River Falls public schools graduating in 1965. He served 6 years in the National Guard. Roy was involved with farming his entire life, helping his father on the home farm and also his uncle Maynard. In 1972 Roy and his brothers Albert and Darrel took over operation of their parents farm and worked in partnership until 1993. At that time, Roy started at Mehrkens Farms, Inc. and worked there until his death.

Besides his work, he enjoyed snowmobiling, bow-hunting and nature. Roy never married, but he loved family and thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his nieces, nephews and their children and he was very good at it. Roy was a very caring and loving person who was always ready and willing to help everyone no matter what.

Roy is survived by his mother Rodena Mehrkens of Thief River Falls, brothers and sisters Marion (Calvin) Sorenson, Albert (Kathy) Mehrkens, Darrell Mehrkens and Verla (Donavan) Erlandson all of Thief River Falls. Nieces and nephews Carol (Dale) Kolseth, Krista (Tim) Halling, Allen Mehrkens, Dale (Denise) Mehrkens, Andy Mehrkens, Dean (Elizabeth) Mehrkens, Peter (Clare) Mehrkens, Paul Mehrkens, Tammy Mehrkens, Tracy Mehrkens, Kevin Mehrkens and Cory Mehrkens; 13 great nieces and nephews, one aunt Emma Mehrkens and several cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Marvin, three uncles and two aunts.

ORGANIST: John Folland
CONGRGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art; God Be With You Till We Meet Again, What A Friend We have In Jesus and The Old Rugged Cross.
CASKETEARERS: Nephews Allen Mehrkens, Dale Mehrkens, Andy Mehrkens, Dean Mehrkens, Peter Mehrkens, Paul Mehrkens.