Merlin "Merl" D. Thomas

With hearts full of love and cherished memories, Merlin Douglas Thomas, known affectionately as Merl, passed peacefully at his home in Cambridge, MN, surrounded by his family on October 2, 2025.  He saw the best in everyone and valued family, love, and kindness above all else.

Merl was born on March 16, 1944, in Fergus Falls, MN.  He was a proud 1962 graduate of Lake Park High School.  Merl married Judith Johnson, and together they raised five children. He later married Mary Kay Recher Hall, and through their marriage, Merl joyfully welcomed her three children into his life, expanding their family. He embraced his roles as husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great grandfather with wholehearted devotion, treasuring the meaningful relationships that enriched his life.

Merl attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis, MN, where he furthered the skills that would define his professional journey. His career was marked by a charismatic and natural gift for sales, showcased through his work with Schwan’s, Frito-Lay, Harry’s Home Center, and Leader Store. His passion for people led him to open Studio II Floors, where he connected with the community as both a business owner and friend. Late, as a sales representative for Scotsman Publishing, he continued to leave an impact on many of the retail businesses in Cambridge. Merl’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly through his efforts to establish the Builders’ Shows in Isanti and Pine Counties, and his enthusiastic promotion of the Cambridge Swedish Festival-complete with hiding the beloved snus box. He retired from The Scotsman in 2011.

Merl’s unwavering faith as a Christian guided him throughout his life. He served as a past president of the Cambridge Lutheran Church Council, and his deep faith provided him with strength during his battle with kidney disease and kidney transplant. Despite his health challenges, Merl remained optimistic, generous, and grateful-a testament to his resilient spirit and compassionate heart.

Merl was deeply rooted in his love for the outdoors. Whether casting a line into the water, walking the woods during hunting season, or relaxing at the cabin, he found great peace and joy in nature. These moments became cherished memories when shared with those he loved. He also found happiness in woodworking, gardening, and cooking. He will be remembered for his ability to weave a story, his love for a good (or groan-worthy) joke, and the pride he took in his Norwegian heritage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Thomas, and his brother and sister-in-law, Wes and Audrey Thomas.

Merl’s absence will be profoundly felt by his loving wife, Mary Kay, and his family, who were his pride and joy. His children, Deadra (Jeff) Moffit, Barry (Michelle) Thomas, Brett Thomas, Angie Lind, and Heidi (Donald) VanderMey; his step children, Troy (Jackie) Hall, Chris (Michelle) Hall and Cara Tanis (Mark Barrett); his grandchildren, Jennings Thomas (Libby Genadek), Alison (Mike Fitzgerald, Jack Moffit, Julia Moffit, Samuel (Tabitha) Thomas, Paige Thomas, Joseph Lind, Annie Lind, Harrison VanderMey, Blaire VanderMey, Carlie Hall (Heber Alcaron), Cassandra Hall (Mickey Ahmed), Christina Hall (Louie Tinoco), Christopher Hall (Eli Clements), Gracia Tanis; and five great grandchildren, Gavin Ramsberg, Ryan Thomas, Luke Thomas, Adah Thomas, Seferino Tinoco, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends who enriched his life.

We are forever grateful for the time we had with Merl. A man of faith, love, humor, and heart. May he rest in peace.

A visitation will be held at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge, Mn on Thursday, October 9 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm followed by a private burial service at Cambridge Lutheran Cemetery and a family reception.

The family would like to thank Merl’s team of medical professionals and Triniti Hospice for their devoted care. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to The Kidney Foundation or Triniti Hospice.

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