William Mehrkens, 87, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

The funeral service will be held at 11:000 AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Thomas Puffe officiating.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be on Monday July 8, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

William Fredrick Mehrkens, Jr., was born July 25, 1931 at St. Luke's Hospital, Thief River Falls, MN, the son of William Fredrick and Christine M. (Anton) Mehrkens.  He was baptized August of 1931 at St. John Lutheran Church and confirmed August 1945 at St. John.  He grew up on Southeast ¼, Section 10 in Excel Township, Marshall County, MN, attended Marshall County District 20 School, Holt District 35 School and attended Newfolden High School.

On April 20, 1957, William was united in marriage to Irene Helen Thode, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN.  He farmed from 1957 – 1960 and then became an offset cameraman at the Thief River Falls Times from 1960 – 1996.

He was an active lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, was a church elder, financial secretary and active volunteer. Bill was active in various support groups.  He liked gardening, woodworking & carving, attending threshing bees, auction sales and riding his antique tractor in parades.

Survived by son, David Walter Mehrkens; daughter, Peggy Lynn Mehrkens both of Thief River Falls, MN; sisters, Selma Albers of Red Wing, MN and Carol Anderson of Goodhue, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by wife, Irene in 1986; son, Paul; parents; grandparents; sisters, Emma Diercks, Lois Avery, Verla Hauschildt, Louella Peterson; and a brother, Arnold in infancy.