LeRoy E. Gilson, 70, of Merrill passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2020. LeRoy was born September 23, 1949 in Merrill, son of the late Roger and Beatrice (Larson) Gilson. He married Marsha Kahre on July 1, 1972. She survives. LeRoy had been employed by Sierra Pacific for 46 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. LeRoy enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, photography, and woodworking and wood carvings. LeRoy was proud to make wood ‘prayer crosses’ for his church and the local hospital. LeRoy honorably served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 – 1973 and had been stationed in Vietnam.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Marsha Gilson; two daughters, Rachel Beilke, Duluth, Minnesota, and Shannon (Jeff) Butler, Merrill; three grandchildren, Noah and Isaiah Beilke, and Michaela Kienbaum; and two siblings, Nita (Dave) Slavinsky, Palmetto, Florida, and Ron (Stacy) Gilson, Weston. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Beatrice Gilson.
A Memorial Service for LeRoy will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard immediately after the memorial service. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until 3:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the Gilson Family has requested memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or School, or the Lincoln County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.