Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at Celebration Lutheran, Sartell, for Merlyn “Mike” G. Flom, 78, of Sartell who passed away in peace on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at home with his family at his side. The Rev. Jeff Sackett will officiate and burial will be in Memory Gardens in Luverne. Visitation will be from 12:30–2 p.m. at the church on Aug. 11, 2016. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Mike was born on March 21, 1938, in Zumbrota to Dr. Martin and Agnes (Oppen) Flom. Mike completed his high school education in Moorhead and he furthered his education at Concordia College and University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. During college, Mike worked as a Smoke Jumper for the Forestry Service in Missoula, Montana.
He married Loretta “Lori” Overgaard on June 12, 1960, in Luverne. Mike worked as a research chemist for Hormel Institute in Austin, Jergens/ Emery Industries in Cincinnati, Ohio, Luzier Cosmetics in Kansas City, Missouri, and Eli Lilly Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, until his retirement in 1998. Following retirement, the couple moved to Sartell in 2001. Mike enjoyed wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He found reflection in the outdoors; golfing, camping, and canoeing. Mike was a Boy Scouts leader for many years. He was a man of technology and could often be found on the computer “Googling.” Most importantly, Mike loved his family beyond words and would do anything to spend time with his children and grandchildren (like reading the Harry Potter series).
Mike is survived by his wife, Loretta “Lori” of Sartell; children, Michael (Phoebe) Flom of Luverne and Lynette (Reggie) Vanlonden of Sartell; four grandchildren, Emily and Ethan Vanlonden and Bergin and Madi Flom; a stepgrandchild, Keegan Schoenfelder; and a brother, the Rev. Dr. Richard (Diane) Flom.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell.
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