Merlin James Beseman Obit

MERLIN JAMES BESEMAN, 96, died June 12, 2024 at Personal Care Senior Living in Columbia Heights. He was born Feb. 26, 1928 in Fargo, ND to Gust and Anna Beseman. He married Marion Gillund on Feb. 20, 1954 in Minneapolis. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1948 and was a tool and die maker who founded Top Tool Company in 1966 and operated it until it was sold in 1987. He and his wife retired to their lake home on Rabbit Lake before returning to the Twin Cities in 2014. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joy Willford, Jackie Gordon and Laverne Holmvig. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marion; children and spouses Karen and Dave Hughes of Coon Rapids; Annette Beseman of Blaine; Mike and Katie Beseman of Elk River and Paul and Jamie Beseman of Blaine, brother Dan (Dee) Beseman of Ironton and sister Peggy Beseman of Crosby, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Crosby (Merlin’s home church) or Redeemer Lutheran Church of Fridley. Visitation is July 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Highway 65 NE in Fridley and one hour prior to the celebration July 17 at Redeemer Lutheran Church located at 61 Mississippi Street NE in Fridley. A Celebration of Life  will be held July 17 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fridley at noon. Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby at a later date.