Merlyn Barlage

Merlyn G. Barlage, age 78, of Carlos, died peacefully Thursday, May 11, 2017, at his home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial is 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Steven Binsfeld officiating. Music is provided by pianist, Laurie J. Youngers and cantor, Jessica Klimek. Inurnment is at Carlos Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Monday , May 22, 2017, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Merlyn Gerald Barlage was born on December 14, 1938, to Arvid “Jerry” and Esther (Salquist) Barlage in Wheaton. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Merlyn was raised on a farm. The saying, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy” applied to Merlyn. He graduated from Wheaton High School. Following his education, he attended Army Basic Training. Although he did not serve in active duty, being an American and patriotism was always important to him. He was united in marriage to Carole Ann Lohrenz on November 28, 1959, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. During his life, Merlyn farmed, managed Farmers Unions Co-op, and sold farm implement machinery, especially selling the Big Bud Tractor. He also drove city bus and tours for Heartland Tours and Rochester City Bus Lines. Upon retiring, Carole and Merlyn enjoyed their home in Carlos, traveling, camping, driving Rainbow Rider, and spending winters in Arizona. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and former president of Vikingland Sams Camping Group. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all, his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Merlyn is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carole; six children, Tammy (Ralph) Campbell of Lake Crystal, Deb (Greg) Eigen of Alexandria, Mark (Jeanne) Barlage of Carlos, Marty Barlage of Lake Crystal, Cindy Barlage of Eden Prairie, and Julie Currie of Alexandria; brother, Robert (Pat) Barlage of Buffalo; 11 grandchildren, Mike Campbell, Steve (Jessi) Campbell, Chrystal Harding, Nic (Traci) Barlage, Evan (Maureen) Eigen, Ben (Margaret) Barlage, Dee (Drew) Lukas, Dustin (Melanie) Barlage, Marisa Eigen, Alicia Barlage, and Alex Schmidt; seven great-grandchildren with one due in June; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorials preferred to Hope Lodge Hospitality House in Rochester. This place was a blessing when Merlyn was going through radiation at Mayo Clinic.

Urnbearers are his grandchildren.