April 3, 2023 at 7:43 a.m.
Merwin, John William
Merwin, John William
John was born on March 9, 1940, to Joseph and Agnes Mae (Bown) Merwin in Lancaster. He grew up near Woodman, met the love of his life Deanna (Laughton) Merwin at a barn dance and they were married on June 30, 1961. They started farming and their family in Woodman, but later moved to a farm near the Platteville Mound. In 1971, John and Deanna purchased a farm west of Livingston and created Jon-Dee Acres, LLC where they taught their three children strong values, hard work and taking time to have fun through sports, cards and fishing. In 2012, John, Deanna and family were honored as WGLR Farm Family of the Year.
John started Merwin Auction Service in 1995 with Deanna, as his clerk, Fritz Curtis and Dennis Reiger, as his ringmen, daughters Shelly and Audra as cashiers. He was the Clifton Township Chairman for 19 years and a member of the Two-Cylinder Club. John and Deanna enjoyed trips to Branson, MO and California with his sister Minnie and her husband. They also enjoyed their time dancing alongside all their friends.
John is survived by his loving wife and dance partner Deanna, children Clayton (Nancy) Merwin and Audra (Ryan) Kuhls; son-in-law David Osterndorff and special nephew Don Rider. Grandchildren Heather (Derek) Bowles-Van Wyk, Jonathan Osterndorff, Macy (Dillon) Bowser, Colin Merwin, Ethan, Cade and Lexie Kuhls. Great-Grandchildren Noah and Bella Bowles, Trinity, Jackson, and Aubrey Van Wyk. His brother Harlan (Ann) Merwin and brother-in-laws Joe Schwartz and Wayne (Maggie) Rider and sister-in-law Judy (Larry) McKee and several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Shelly Osterndorff; grandson Tanner Merwin; sisters Minnie Rider and Marlene Schwartz; nephew Jeff Schwartz.
John will be sadly missed by his family, card playing buddies, his cat Charlie, and his many friends.
Parkinson's disease may have forced John into early retirement, but it never took the love of dancing weekly with Deanna, the land, crops, cattle, and family out of his life.
The family would like to thank the staff of Agrace Home Care Team and Hospice Care Center who made his last days comfortable.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday morning April 6, 2023, at the Livingston United Methodist Church in Livingston with burial to follow in the Rock Church Cemetery rural Livingston. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday April 5, 2023, at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Thursday morning. A memorial fund is being established in Loving Memory of John William Merwin and online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomescom
