Merton Clarence Arvidson

Merton "Mert" Clarence Arvidson of Spring Arbor, Michigan passed away on December 18, 2023. Beloved husband of Wanda Arvidson. Loving father of Larry (Ruth) Arvidson, and Linda (Gordon) Eccles. Dearest grandfather of Kevin (Melanie) Eccles, Elise (Matt) Schnaars, Marlene (Zack) Bussard, Brian Eccles, and David (Bianca) and great-grandfather of Kirsten, Junia, Ruthie, and Aleda. He was brother of Darrell (Karren) Arvidson, Helen (Ron) Burkhalter, Lyle (Melinda) Arvidson, Dennis Arvidson, Pat (Dave) Warwick. Brother-in-law of Tim (Corinne) Howard. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Maude Arvidson, and sister Edith.

His final resting place on earth will be in Spring Arbor MI, but we believe that is not the end of his story. His spirit is alive and well, and we have Hope that we will see him again in the world to come. In the meantime, we commit his spirit to the care of Christ.

Mert was born on September 3, 1933 in a spacious log home of 352 square feet in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It would eventually house a family of seven children on a farm with chickens, cows, a pig, and a large garden.  Mert served in the army from 1954 to 1956. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany after the war, having been trained in military office procedures and legal matters. His service included security clearance sufficient to allow him to serve as a courier, carrying live rounds with rifle in hand to defend sensitive documents while carrying out his duty.

He was recruited to Greenville College where he met Wanda Walton. In Mert's own words, he "fell head over heels" for this nice gal from Elgin, IL. Their love has been an inspiration to many, especially to their family and descendants.  Mert and Wanda lived in Belvidere, IL for many years, where Mert taught Social Studies in the local junior high. They raised their children Larry and Linda there and moved to Brooklyn, MI after retiring. Mert built their home in Brooklyn, and worked doing carpentry work as a contractor until he retired again in 2003.

Mert will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his character and compassion. He loved to tell stories as much as he loved to hear them, and the best stories ended in laughter. He cared deeply for his family, and also showed compassion to the deer, birds, and other animals that were lucky enough to meet him. He will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank the staff of Spring Arbor Assisted Living/Willows, and Gentiva Hospice for their loving care.

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