Edward Merlyn Hatlestad

Edward M. Hatlestad, 84, of Willmar, died Thursday, January 26th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His funeral will be 2:00 pm, Monday, January 30th at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake, rural New London with visitation one hour prior to the service. Please wear MN Twins or any baseball apparel that you may have.  Interment will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post #537 of New London.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson – Johnson Funeral Home. www.hafh.org  Memorials are preferred to Andrew Hatlestad Legacy Fund, www.communitygiving.org/donors-advisors/donations, Tenley Thompson Memorial Scholarship at Lake Region Bank/New London-Spicer Schools or Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.

Edward Merlyn was born July 15, 1938, in Lake Andrew Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the son of Cornell and Geoline (Rood) Hatlestad.  He grew up in the country near New London, attended country school and graduated from New London High School in 1956.  Following graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1956 -1958.  Upon his discharge, Ed lived and worked as a machinist in the Minneapolis area.  Following his retirement, he moved back to the Spicer and Willmar area where he could often be found at Hillcrest, McMillians, attending local baseball games, or enjoying root beer at his sister, Gladys’ house.

Whether Ed was at a game or watching on TV, the MN Twins were a favorite pastime of his.  When he was younger, he enjoyed playing baseball, softball and basketball.  He often could be found on the weekends, when he came home to visit, competing with his nieces and nephews on the court.  Ed also wanted to know when his great nephew’s town team schedule was so as to make sure he could be there to watch and support them. He was a dedicated lifetime member of First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake.

Surviving are his nieces and nephews: Elaine Hayes, Lynn (Craig) Edwards, Phil (Carolyn) Hatlestad, John (Kay) Hatlestad, Don (Nancy) Powers, Larry (Melanie) Powers, Diane (Jim) Thompson, Naomi Powers-Baker and numerous great nieces, nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister-in-law, Ellsworth (Doris), Sherlyn and Hanley, sister and brother-in-law, Gladys (Howard) Powers, nephew, Tim Baker, great nephew, Andrew Hatlestad and great great niece, Tenley Thompson.

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