Merilyn Laflin

Merilyn Jean Laflin, 85, Baxter (formerly Brainerd and Backus), died Friday, August 2, 2019 at her residence in Baxter.  The Funeral Service for Merilyn will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, with Pastor David Grotzke of First Baptist Church, officiating.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel.  Interment will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.

Merilyn Jean was born to Edward and Finetta (Porter) Smith on January 14, 1934 at Fort Dodge, Iowa.  She was the oldest of six children.  Her father was a pastor.  The family lived in several places while she was growing up, including Birchdale and Backus, MN.

Merilyn was united in marriage with Harley Duane Laflin in 1953 in Des Moines, Iowa.  They spent many years in the ministry, as a pastoral and missionary family.

Merilyn is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harley Laflin; son: Duane (Mary) Laflin; daughter: Janet (Terry) Ellevold; nine grandchildren and thirty-one great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Finetta Smith and her sister: Joyce Hanson.

She was defined by many relationships, first and foremost was her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ.  The next most important relationship to her was with her husband, Harley, whom she met when she was twelve years old.  They were blessed with sixty-six years as husband and wife.  She also loved her role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She prayed for every member of her family nearly every day.  Her love and prayers will be greatly missed.