Merlyn August Petrick was born July 9, 1923 in rural Fairfield Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Christ H. and Emma (Carstens) Petrick. He was baptized August 19, 1923 at Fairfield Lutheran Church in rural Holloway and confirmed into the Christian faith on June 28, 1936 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Danvers. He grew up on a farm north of Danvers and attended rural District #83 north of Danvers through the eighth grade. Merlyn started playing music at an early age. The family band played for many house parties throughout the area. The band evolved into the Merle Petrick Orchestra, who played in ballrooms throughout western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. On May 12, 1946, Merlyn was united in marriage to Phyllis Dorothy Schmidt at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway. They lived by Holloway for seven years. In 1953, the family moved to Danvers and farmed in Marysland Township until 1985. In 2000, they moved into Benson. Merlyn enjoyed fishing, playing cards, working on vintage farm tractors and visiting with family and friends. Merlyn was called from this life on Monday, February 9, 2009 at Golden Living - Meadow Lane Health Care Center in Benson. He attained the age of 85 years and 7 months. Merlyn is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis of Benson; a daughter, Linda Petrick and special friend, Charles Weinhold of Minneapolis, two sons: Randy (Deborah) Petrick of Clear Lake, SD and Dennis (and special friend Nancy Arne of Benson) Petrick of Danvers; four grandchildren: Jamie, Ross, Paul and Erin Petrick; two great grandchildren: Cole Petrick and Caden Petrick; two brothers: Clifford (Berdie) Petrick of Lincoln, CA, and Donald (Jan) Petrick of Glencoe; two sisters: Doris (Clayton) Stevens of Cottonwood, and Lavina (Gerald) Jagow of Bloomington; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Christ and Emma.