"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name." Psalms 100:4

Merlin Hansen was born in Freeman, South Dakota on October 26, 1932 and entered gladly through the gates of Heaven on March 6, 2013 at the age of 80.

Merlin was raised on a South Dakota farm by his loving, hard-working parents, Harvey and Marie Hansen. He came to college at NNC in 1950 and there met his best friend and love of his life, Lila Smith, who he married in 1952. They traveled lifes road together for over 60 years and enjoyed living and raising their children in Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and Idaho.

A master woodworker, he built beautiful and unique furniture and carved intricate pieces of artwork from wood that seemed simple to other eyes. His Carpenter and Savior, Jesus, likewise worked to carve him into a wonderful man from what might first appear simple material. He was beautiful, unique, and intricate: a truly kind and gentle man.

His parents; daughter, Marvene Turner; and brother, Wes Hansen, proceeded him to heaven. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Lila Hansen, his son Daniel (Cheryl) Hansen, a daughter, Gretta; Son-in-law, Tim Turner; sister Sharon (Danny) Griffith, and sister-in-law Arlene Hansen. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Simeon Turner, Hans Turner, Sarah Hansen, Jeanette Voss, Britta Turner, and Jacob Hansen. He dearly loved his 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks for the tender care he received from Heart & Home Hospice.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 11, 2013 at the Nampa First Church of the Nazarene. Services are under the direction ot the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Mentoring Network, Inc. P.O. Box 9412 Nampa, ID 83652 or better yet, consider giving an hour-a-week of your time to mentor a child in Merlins honor http://MentoringNetworkID.org

Service Information Funeral Service Monday March 11, 2013 1:00 PM Nampa First Church of the Nazarene 601 16th Ave S Nampa, Idaho 83651