Merlin Dehne went home to be with his Lord on May 4, 2008. Merlin was born Jan. 23, 1923, in Holloway, Minn., to Arthur and Anna (Mueller) Dehne. He was the oldest of four children. The family moved to Washington in 1939, finally settling in Tieton. It was there that he met his future bride, Gertrude “Lorraine” Zeutenhorst. They were married May 1, 1945 in the Highland United Methodist Church. They raised four children.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Merlin joined the Navy. His naval career lasted over 22 years, and took the family to Florida, California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. His last duty station was Oak Harbor where he retired from active duty. He worked for a short time for Prudential Insurance and the Anacortes mill. Merlin then managed the sign department for Island County Public Works, retiring after 10 years.

Merlin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine, of Lynden; son Doug (Kathy) of Bellingham; daughters Marilyn (Stan) of Oak Harbor, Karen (Doug) of Yakima, and Bonnie (Dennis) of Oak Harbor; sisters Phyllis Kean and Janice (Jodie) Hensley of Yakima; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Nazarene Church. Memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at the Oak Harbor Nazarene Church, 1100 W. Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.