Eastman
Merle B.
Age 92 of Maplewood, MN passed away on January 27th, 2021 at the home of his daughter in Verndale, MN – an area he loved and visited all his life. Merle served on the North St. Paul Police Force for 25 years, beginning in February of 1958 and retiring at the rank of Sargent in June of 1983.
Merle was generally known as a quiet man. However, those who knew him well saw his humor, imagination, compassion, love for his family, and his faith. Merle invited others to see the humor in things and allowed them to use their imaginations. He most often expressed these traits with his grandchildren. Many walks with them turned into hunts for jack-a-lopes and Bigfoot – and UFO’s were never discounted! His humor was subtle. For example, he never “napped” but was often found on the couch with his eyes closed “thinking about stuff”. If he happened to be snoring while doing so, it was just part of the process. Merle was compassionate. He had a soft heart – especially for children and animals. While working for the police force, more than one lost child was treated to Dairy Queen while driving around looking for their house and waiting for parents to call.
After retirement, he would often take the dog (or soup hound, as it was often referred to) for a drive and a treat, as well as keeping treats in the car for other dogs. Merle loved his family. He demonstrated that love in many ways. When his family was young he often worked extra jobs to provide for them. This ranged from extra help at the go-kart track and Schwinn bicycle shop to extra shifts patrolling the high school football games and the Bingo Hall. He did what was needed to take care of his family. He also showed his love by giving gifts and sharing his time. He enjoyed woodworking and made many of the gifts he gave. He built a fort in the backyard to play in, as well as bookshelves, headboards and quilt racks. He always made time to help his family. From moving two horses cross country with his daughter to babysitting his grandkids, he could be counted on. They were all gifts of time and love. His love for his family was most obvious in his devotion to his wife Lois. Married for 65 years, his highest dedication was to her welfare. He was at her side in the good times of family vacations and celebrations and in the rough times of illness, surgery, and dialysis. And he was at her side as she took her final breath. He was a true example of loyalty and faithfulness in marriage.
Merle had a quiet, but deep faith. He would have said that all the best things about himself came from his relationship with God. He would want us all to know that he is now truly home in God’s presence, and would hope that all his friends and family would eventually join him there.
Merle’s absence will be heavily felt by daughter: Joan (Mark) Gow of Colorado Springs, CO; son: Mark Eastman of Maplewood; daughter: Darla (Neal) Malcore of Verndale; grandson: Brett Malcore of Verndale; granddaughter: Michelle (Elijah) Pratt of Shoreview; and great-grandchildren: Vivian Pratt and Damien Pratt.
A private service will be held on May 28th at Lakeview Cemetery. If you would like to honor Merle, a donation to your local food shelf would be appropriate, no flowers please.