Tranby, Merlin Dean age 84, of Anoka. Passed away peacefully of natural causes on Feb. 1, 2016. Merlin was preceded in death by wife, Elizabeth (nee Archer) Tranby in 1979, parents, Wilma (nee Lundmark) Tranby and Trygve Knutson Tranby; sisters, Ardice Wahl, Phyllis Taylor and Elythe Tranby.

Merlin was born on his family farm in Blabon, ND on October 6, 1931. The son of a Norwegian immigrant father and Swedish immigrant mother, he injoyed growing up on the family farm. Merlin had many stories of his youth and spent many hours listening to all the tales of the old country in both Norwegian and Swedish. He could speak and understand both languages. He went to elementary school in Blabon, ND and graduated from Hope High School in Hope, ND in 1949.

In his early-married years with his new wife Elizabeth and daughter, Candace, he farmed with his Dad during the farming season and then worked as a rough neck in the oil fields in western North Dakota during the winter. With the birth of his son, Mike, in 1954 and his ever expanding responsibilities, he decided to move his family to Oklahoma, leaving farming, but farming never left him. In his later years he subsequently was able to purchase his family farm in the Blabon area. This gave him such great pride.

In 1959 the Tranby family moved to Anoka, Mn. where he resided until his death. He began working for United Power in Elk River, where he worked 40 years without ever using one sick day, another source of great pride to him. His children grew up in Anoka and his wife Liz taught First Grade there until her death.

Merlin was an inspirational caregiver to his wife, Elizabeth, who died of cancer in 1979. He and Liz were able to travel to Norway and Sweden in 1977 while she was in remission. This was a dream for both of them. Elizabeth learned Swedish just to keep up with Merlin. Liz's cancer returned and Merlin once again gave her the greatest care imaginable.

He leaves behind his daughter, Candace (Paul) Johnson; son, Mike (Susan) Tranby; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Mike) Huebner, Douglas Johnson, Majken Tranby, and Paul (Sarah) Fisher; great-grandchildren, Samantha and Andrew.

Merlin loved his children, but oh boy, the grandchildren were his source of pride. Merlin was a generous man and helped all four of his grandchildren through college.

He was a man comfortable with himself. He showed us how to live, how to love and how to remember. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend and conversationalist.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Lee Temanson, Sons of Norway, Vennekretsen Lodge, Children's Scholarships, 19749 - 108th Ave. N., Maple Grove, MN 55369-2609.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday (3-19-2016) 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 - 4th Ave. S., Anoka, Mn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private interment, Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka, Mn. Luncheon following service at the Green Haven Golf Club, 2800 Greenhaven Road, Anoka.

Arrangements Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, Anoka, Mn. 763-421-0220