Merl Johnson

Merl Louis Johnson, 73, passed away peacefully in his home on June 11th, 2025.

Merl was born June 8th, 1952, to Merl and Irene (Kunz) Johnson in Detroit Lakes, MN. He built his life there. Merl played hockey and football and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1970. After graduation he continued his education at Detroit Lakes Area Vocational-Technical Institute.

In 1972, Merl was drafted to the Army and served in Korea. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he continued his service in the National Guard, retiring in 1992.

Merl married Deborah Jean Johnson on October 11th, 1980. The couple made their home in Detroit Lakes with their two children, Kyle and Ali.

Merl started his business, Johnson’s Plumbing, in 1985. He continued to operate and maintain the business through ongoing health issues.

Merl loved hockey and instilled a love of the game in both of his children from a young age by getting them on skates shortly after sneakers. He built a rink in their yard every year and coached both Kyle and Ali's youth hockey teams. Merl also loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed going on fishing trips to the Rainy River every spring. Merl loved his country and always looked forward to celebrating the spirit of the 4th of July with a family barbeque. He made a list of his favorite fireworks hoping to put together an even better show than the year before.

He is survived by his wife, Deb, their children Kyle (Alison) Johnson and Ali (Sarah) Remer-Johnson and their child. He is also survived by his siblings Kath Remmers, Susan Johnson, Shirley Johnson, Mike Johnson, Deb (Randy) Januszewski, Diane Johnson, Beth Johnson and 7 nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Merl and Irene (Kunz) Johnson and his sister Karen (Johnson) Hill.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Following the service, inurnment with Military Honors will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

All are warmly invited to return to Trinity Lutheran Church afterward for a light reception and a celebration of Merl’s life.