Merlin Mageland

Merlin G. Mageland, 82, of Viroqua, died Friday, December 18, 2009. Merlin G. Mageland, 82, of Viroqua , died Friday, December 18, 2009. Merlin was born September 4, 1927 to Tollack and Ragna (Bergum) Mageland in Vernon County. He farmed with his father until he was inducted into the Army in 1951, where he served in Korea with the 84th Engineers. After his discharge he worked at Fairbanks-Morse in Beloit. On August 14, 1954 he married Lorraine Larson, and they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. After returning to Viroqua, he worked for Harley Getter at the Standard station in Viroqua for many years. On February 13, 1967 he started Mageland Oil Company which continues to this day. He loved to visit and he always had time for his family and friends. Merlin was a life member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a member of the Running Johnson Ray V.F.W. Post 3032, Jacobson Olson American Legion Post 138, and Eagles. Merlin is survived by his wife Lorraine; their children: Brenda (Chuck) Noggle of Viroqua, David Mageland of Viroqua, Gary Mageland of Viroqua, Gretchen (Brad) Johnson of Janesville, Michael Mageland of Westby; grandchildren: Brooke (Chad) Klecker, Nate Noggle, Dayna Noggle, Zach Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Mason Mageland; sisters: Elaine Banta, Verna Jacobson, Ruth (Tim) Jacobson; and many nieces and nephews. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ralph Bergum and Tollack "Ron" Mageland; and sister Donna Stilwell. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua with Reverend Lindsay Paul Jordan and Reverend Margaret Eiben Hooversten officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Viroqua Cemetery . Friends may call at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56) from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2009. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to Vernon Memorial Hospice House or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church . The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.