The son of George and Marie Stensland Roberts, Merv spent his formative years on the family farm learning about horses, agriculture and farm equipment, and in mischievous pursuits with his brother and cousins. As an adolescent, he developed a keen interest in cars, motors, and the early development of electronics. He also became skilled in repairing almost anything, developing his natural aptitude for contriving devices and tools. Merv graduated from West Concord High School in 1949.
On the steps of the local United Methodist Church, he met the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Faulkner, and on June 12, 1953, they were married in this church. Shortly thereafter, Merv was drafted to serve in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. This instilled a deep sense of patriotism to his country and appreciation of the efforts of all military personnel.
Merv partnered with his brother, Ed, in establishing the Roberts Brothers Farm Implement business. In growing their business, they developed a strong reputation for quality and service, enabling them to acquire and build the Roberts Hardware Hank store in West Concord. In addition, they cultivated the family farm.
Merv supported his wife’s career in elementary education at a time when most women remained at home. While raising their family, they exposed their children to summer travel throughout the United States.
After sale of the hardware store and rescaling the implement business, Merv and Char followed their daughter and son-in-law to Jacksonville, Florida. There Merv served as a greeter for ten years at Mayo Clinic’s new Florida operation, meeting and assisting people from all walks of life.
In retirement, Merv continued to enjoy learning, traveling, camping, electronics, gardening, tinkering in his immaculate garage, having garage sales, listening to music and visiting the beach. He was a collector of coins, stamps, knives, tools, model cannons, maps and family heirlooms. Merv preserved his family’s genealogy, and relished time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He delighted in his wife’s and family’s accomplishments, and quietly bestowed a legacy of his values and work ethic.
In addition to many family and friends, left to cherish his memory are the following: His loving bride of 66 years, Charlotte Faulkner Roberts of Jacksonville, FL; his children, Lynn (Roberts) and Frank Loosbrock of Jacksonville, FL, Jim Roberts and Kathy Mathias of Shorewood, MN, and Susan Roberts of West Concord, MN; his grandchildren Nicole Loosbrock, Samuel, Jacob and Grace Roberts; and his great grandchildren, Myla and Isaac Chen.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Marie Roberts, his grandson Aaron Loosbrock, his brother Edwin Roberts, his niece Betty Ann Roberts, his brother-in-law Darrel Faulkner, his nephew David Roberts, and his brother-and-sister in law Ken and Marion Roberts.
A memorial service will commemorate his life at Isle of Faith United Methodist Church on February 1, 2020 at 11:00 AM in Jacksonville, Florida, with Pastor Will Clark officiating. An additional service will be held later in West Concord, Minnesota, with interment at the Concord Cemetery.
For those interested in memorial gifts, the family suggests the Friends of Aaron Loosbrock fund for research at Mayo Clinic. Aaron is Merv’s grandson who lost his battle with leukemia in 2002. The family also favors the Isle of Faith United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
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