Merlin 'Merf' P. Ellinghuysen
Apr 20, 2018
Ellinghuysen, 79, of Winona passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in Rock Springs, Wyo. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, while traveling back to Winona after wintering in Arizona.He was born March 14, 1939, in Plainview, Minn., to Paul and Elna (Braatz) Ellinghuysen. Merf attended St. Martin’s Lutheran Day School and was a 1957 graduate of Winona High School. He honorably served his country with the U.S. National Guard from 1959 to 1965.Merf was united in marriage with Patricia “Pat” Walchak Aug. 6, 1960, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona. He owned and operated Merf’s Market on Sarnia Street for several years. He also worked as a meat department manager for various stores in the Winona area, his longest being with Red Owl in Goodview.He was a faithful member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as an Elder and on the Youth Board.Merf loved his home along the Mississippi River, where he took great pride in caring for his yard, and he was able to enjoy fishing, going out on the pontoon boat, feeding the birds, and watching eagles. Merf and Pat enjoyed winters in Arizona for the past 14 years, and they were also able to travel throughout the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Merf’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he especially looked forward to attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.Merf is lovingly survived by his wife, Pat, Winona; children, Dawn (Tom) McGowan, Cambridge, Minn., Steve (Avani) Ellinghuysen, Pleasanton, Calif., and Scott (Kelly) Ellinghuysen, Winona; grandchildren, Sean (Marjanae) McGowan, Matthew (Khine) McGowan, Daniel (Kathreen Smith) McGowan, Logan Ellinghuysen, Jaimin Ellinghuysen, and Jenna Ellinghuysen; great-grandson, Mason McGowan; sisters, Vernice “Tudy” (Reuben) Alitz, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; and Irene Nerison, Osseo, Minn.; brother-in-law, Tom (Cherie) Walchak, Winona; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law an...
(Winona Daily News)
Merlin 'Merf' P. Ellinghuysen
Apr 20, 2018
Ellinghuysen, 79, of Winona passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in Rock Springs, Wyo. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, while traveling back to Winona after wintering in Arizona.He was born March 14, 1939, in Plainview, Minn., to Paul and Elna (Braatz) Ellinghuysen. Merf attended St. Martin’s Lutheran Day School and was a 1957 graduate of Winona High School. He honorably served his country with the U.S. National Guard from 1959 to 1965.Merf was united in marriage with Patricia “Pat” Walchak Aug. 6, 1960, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona. He owned and operated Merf’s Market on Sarnia Street for several years. He also worked as a meat department manager for various stores in the Winona area, his longest being with Red Owl in Goodview.He was a faithful member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as an Elder and on the Youth Board.Merf loved his home along the Mississippi River, where he took great pride in caring for his yard, and he was able to enjoy fishing, going out on the pontoon boat, feeding the birds, and watching eagles. Merf and Pat enjoyed winters in Arizona for the past 14 years, and they were also able to travel throughout the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Merf’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he especially looked forward to attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.Merf is lovingly survived by his wife, Pat, Winona; children, Dawn (Tom) McGowan, Cambridge, Minn., Steve (Avani) Ellinghuysen, Pleasanton, Calif., and Scott (Kelly) Ellinghuysen, Winona; grandchildren, Sean (Marjanae) McGowan, Matthew (Khine) McGowan, Daniel (Kathreen Smith) McGowan, Logan Ellinghuysen, Jaimin Ellinghuysen, and Jenna Ellinghuysen; great-grandson, Mason McGowan; sisters, Vernice “Tudy” (Reuben) Alitz, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; and Irene Nerison, Osseo, Minn.; brother-in-law, Tom (Cherie) Walchak, Winona; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law an...
(Winona Daily News)
