Merlyn Elmer Sogaard passed away on October 10, 2009 at his home in Saco, Maine from lung cancer at the age of 72 years, 11 months, and 26 days. He is survived by his daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law, Beth Sogaard, Amy Montaldo and Michael Montaldo of Plymouth, CA; significant other of over 25 years, Gail Robbins of Saco, Maine; brother Elton Sogaard of Clements, MN, brother-in-law and sister, Howard and Dorothy Sogaard Warrell of Granville, OH; and sister Arleen Sogaard Wood of Livermore, CA, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Sogaard; his parents; two brothers, Loren and Roy Sogaard; and two sisters, Marie Ann and Geraldine Sogaard.
Mert was born to Arthur and Marie (Johnson) Sogaard on October 14, 1936 on the family farm in Sundown Township near Clements, Minnesota. Mert received his elementary education in District 71, a one-room country school in Sundown Township. He participated in Boy Scouts for several years in Clements. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1954. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until October 1957. He received his B.A.degree in Business Administration from Mankato State College, Mankato, Minnesota in June, 1963.
Mert worked as an insurance underwriter for many years, including: State Farm Mutual Insurance, Winter Haven, FL (1963-1969); Crum & Forester Insurance, Charlotte, North Carolina (1969- 1976), and as Assistant Vice President at Fred S. James & Co. Fort Lauderdale, FL (1976 -1988 ). He has lived in Saco, Maine since 1993 where he was employed by Sears.
He enjoyed fishing, was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, and had a fascination with old tractors, especially Farmall.
He was married to Kathleen Sturm on September 17, 1958. They were the parents of two children, Scott Sogaard and Beth Sogaard.
A service will be held Saturday, October 24th at 11a.m. at the Sundown Lutheran Church in Clements.
