Visitation: Visitation will Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. Family will greet visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00p.m.

Service: His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Shalom Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery near Canton.

Merrik Steven Carlson, age 69, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 at the Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.  His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Shalom Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery near Canton.  Visitation will Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls.  Family will greet visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00p.m. 
 Merrik Steven was born Aug. 30, 1942 in Green County, IA.  He grew up on a farm and graduated from Paton High School. 
 He was employed at the Argus Leader for several years and then owned & published the Wells Mirror in Wells, MN.  After returning to Sioux Falls, he was an owner/operator truck driver.  In the last few years he was leased to TeSlaa Trucking, Le Mars, IA.
 He married Cheryl Larson October 27, 1973.  He was a member of the Elks Club & a member of Shalom Lutheran Church, Harrisburg.
 Grateful for having shared his life are: his wife, Cheryl; sons- Todd (Jolene) of Wells, MN, Brett (Tiffany) of Cherokee, IA; daughters- Michelle (David) Warner, of Alcester, SD, Marcia (Clint) Leighty of Persia, IA, and Amy (Dan) Foss of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren- Tanya, Derrik, Austin &Kaylee Carlson, Sam & Carmen Borns, Cassie Leighty, Katie & Rylee Gannon, Brielle, Braelin & Brinlie Foss; great-granddaughter, Aliza Neitzel; sister, Sue (Ed) Olson of Yuma, AZ and two brothers- Roger (Marianne) Carlson of Jefferson, IA and David (Ann) Carlson of Manly, IA.
 Steve was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela, and parents Emrik and Ruth Carlson.
www.andersonandsonsfh.com