Charles Dan Merten, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully departed from this world on February 26, 2026, at the age of 89, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota.

Born on July 12, 1936, in Platte Center, Nebraska, Dan was the cherished son of Charles and Bernice (Cox) Merten. In 1948, his family made a significant move to Battle Lake, Minnesota, where they purchased Bonnie Beach Resort on Clitherall Lake, cultivating a deep affection for the community. Dan graduated from Battle Lake High School with pride in 1954, embarking on a journey that would lead him to serve his country.

Immediately after graduation, he joined the United States Navy in 1955, dedicating several years of his life to service and honor until his discharge in 1961. He served as an aircraft mechanic aboard the aircraft carrier Lake Champlain in the Mediterranean Sea and had noteworthy experiences with VR-1, including duty in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Upon returning to civilian life, Dan attended and graduated from the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton with a Bachelor's degree. Dan followed his entrepreneurial spirit and established Merten Radio and TV, later embracing opportunities at K & M Electronics. His passion for technology ultimately led him to St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minnesota, where he excelled as a biomedical electronic technician. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kathleen Chaffee. Their union blossomed, and they welcomed two wonderful children into their lives. The family forged lasting memories during their time in Virginia, Minnesota, before moving back to St. Olaf Hospital and eventually settling in Crookston in 1978. At Riverview Hospital, Dan dedicated himself as a plant manager until his well-deserved retirement in 2000.

Dan's spirit shone brightly in the Crookston community, where he was an active member of the American Legion Post 20, the Crookston Eagles, and the Crookston Masonic Lodge. He cherished the great outdoors, spending countless hours hunting and fishing at various lakes. Some of his favorite memories were made at Sand Point Lake, where stories were told long after the lines were reeled in, and his beloved Sugar Bush hunting cabin, a place that held his heart and many seasons of tradition.

 Dan and Kathy built a family lake home on Rush Lake, creating a gathering place where children, grandchildren, and friends made memories that will be cherished for generations. Whether it was early mornings on the water, fish fries, countless hours fishing off the dock or going looking for turtles, those were some of the happiest days. Additionally, Dan delighted in his passion for amateur radio with call sign WA∅BUX from 1967 till present connecting with others through this beloved hobby. Dan was also known for his wonderful sense of humor. He was able to joke and smile with those he loved and his memories will live on through their laughter and fond memories. 

His legacy will live on through his loving children, Mike Merten and his wife LaVonne, and Barb Hulst and her husband Chad. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Nick Merten Crookston, Nate Merten (Elizabeth Bland) Baldwin WI, Madison Hulst (Dylan Hanshaw) Crookston, and Caitlin Hulst (Josh Crandall) Fargo ND along with his treasured great-grandchildren, Kensley, Kylie, Gwynevere Hanshaw of Crookston and Everett Merten of Baldwin WI. Dan was also adored by his loyal dog, Lilly.

Dan is reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Kathleen Merten, and is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernice Merten; his sister, Mary Jahoda; brother-in-law, John Jahoda; parents-in-law, Alroy and Catherine Chaffee; brother-in-law John Johnson and great-grandchildren, Kayson and Olivia Hanshaw.

A celebration of Dan's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, commencing at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to visit starting one hour prior.

As we remember Dan, let us honor a life devoted to family, service, and community, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will forever reside in our hearts.