Merlin Bohland

Merlin Bohland, 73, formerly of De Soto passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013. Merlin Bohland, 73, formerly of De Soto passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the Lakeview Health Center in West Salem. He was born September 3, 1940 in rural De Soto to Harley and Evelyn (Long) Bohland. Merlin attended De Soto High School and worked various jobs until enlisting in the Army in August 1961. On June 9, 1962 he married Sonya Myhre and later that year was assigned to duty in Vietnam, serving there for 13 months. Upon completion of his military service in 1964, they returned to the De Soto area and farmed for nearly 50 years. Merlin was a lifelong member of De Soto Lutheran Church and served on the council and other offices. He was a member of the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department, an officer on the Wheatland town board and also a member of the De Soto VFW post 8123. During his later years he worked as a deliveryman at Lansing Furniture as well as other jobs. Merlin enjoyed trips and travelling, hunting, watching races, and going out to eat. His extended family and friends were such a joy for him including his nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. His nieces from Janesville: Julie, Jane, and Jody spent a lot of their time on the farm and became as children. Merlin is survived by his loving wife Sonya; brother Miles (Eloda); sister Bernell (Terry) Rasque; sisters and brothers-in-law; and several nephews; nieces; cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leroy; nephews: Wesley and Dennis Bohland; and brother-in-law, Wayne Ghelf. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the De Soto Lutheran Church. Pastor Doug Andersen will officiate and burial with military honors will follow in the Walnut Mound Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W Decker ( Highway 56), in Viroqua. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to the De Soto Lutheran Church Building Fund. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of De Soto and Viroqua are serving the family.