Merlin Hugh Christiansen Obituary (1924 - 2017)

Merlin Hugh Christiansen passed away December 17, 2017, in Ferron, Utah. He was born March 30, 1924, in Emery, Utah to John Julius Christiansen and Mary Kristena Jorgensen. He was a life-long resident of Emery where he was a dairy farmer and coal miner, providing for his family which was his top priority. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a corpsman. Upon returning from the war he met and married Ruth Jean Crook, September 6, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. They spent their life together in service to the Lord, their family, the community and country. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America, received the Silver Beaver award, was a member of the UMWA Local 1261 and the American Legion. Merlin and Jean served a mission at Temple Square. He enjoyed camping, fishing, 4-wheeling and whittling. In 2015 he had the privilege, as a member of the greatest generation, to participate in a Utah Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He is survived by his children Nancy (Tom) Parry, Salt Lake City, Rene' (David) Dalley, Springville, Scott (Karelyn) Christiansen, Layton, Glenys (Lannie) Sitterud and Ken (Earlene) Christiansen, both of Emery, Karla (Kerry) Powell, Lehi, Marie (Louis) VanderHerp and Becky (Jed) Allred, both of Ferron, thirty-eight grandchildren, 102 great-grand-children and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean and son John, parents John Julius and Mary Kirstena Christiansen, grandson Shad, brothers Rellus, Richard, Vernon and sisters Irma Box, Delma Leslie and Euphemia Case. There will be a viewing Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary, 720 North Center, Castle Dale, Utah. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Emery Ward chapel with a viewing from 9:30-10:45. Interment will follow in the Emery City Cemetery. Special thanks to the Emery Care and Rehab for their care. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Merlin at www.fausettmortuary.com.