Raymond LaVerne Merck

Raymond Laverne Merck, age 102, of Rochester, Minnesota, died on August 29, 2026.

Raymond was born on August 7, 1924, near Deep River, Iowa, the son of Raymond Robert and Dorothy Bess Merck. He attended rural Buckeye Grade School through the eighth grade and graduated from Deep River High School in 1942. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

Raymond continued his education at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, from 1946 to 1948, followed by Wheaton College from 1948 to 1950. He then attended Bethel Seminary, graduating in 1955.

Raymond married Carolyn Elizabeth Lundahl on September 18, 1954. They shared many years together before Carolyn's death on May 22, 2010.

Following seminary, Raymond pastored Sandy Lake Baptist Church in rural Barnum, Minnesota, from 1955 to 1958. In the spring of 1958, he moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where he would make his home for the remainder of his life.

Raymond worked a variety of jobs throughout his years in Rochester. He was also the owner of an interior decorating business specializing in painting and wallpapering. After approximately 35 years in the business, he retired at the age of 83.

Faith and service remained important parts of Raymond's life. He attended Faith Church for 10 years and pastored Viola Community Church for 25 years. He also regularly spoke at nursing homes and devoted many years to serving others through ministry. Beginning in 1994, Raymond served in a weekly jail ministry, a commitment he continued for 29 years, through 2023.

Raymond enjoyed traveling and had many memorable adventures throughout his life. In 1976, he traveled with his daughter, Brenda, and the Mayo High School Band on a trip through five European countries: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein. He later traveled to Israel and Rome in 1994 and visited the Keto Mission in Alaska in 1999.

In 2005, Raymond received a 50-year diploma from Bethel Seminary, recognizing five decades since completing his seminary education.

Raymond is survived by his sister Vivian, daughter Brenda (Mark), son Stan, grandchildren Cassandra (Kyle), Chris, Joshua, and great grandson Aaron. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vivian's husband Donald, brothers Arthur (Geneieve) and Eugene (Ellen) and sister Marlys (Bill), three sons Gordon, Jeffrey and Robert, and daughter Kathy.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 5500 25th Ave NW, Rochester, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Next Chapter Reentry Project: https://www.nextchapterreentryproject.org/reentry-donation/rochester-mn

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Merck family.