F.J. (“Kyke”) Mersen was born on July 31, 1928 in Glasgow, Montana to Frank Mersen Sr. and Louise Opheim Mersen, to the delight of his sister, Betty.
F.J. passed away on March 27, 2021, leaving this world as sharp as a tack and remembering just about every car he sold. F.J. attended school in Glasgow through high school. He was confirmed in the First Lutheran Church in 1942. F.J. served in the Marine Corps from 1946 through 1948 where he served in the Honor Guard. He attended the University of Montana in Missoula for two years before returning to Glasgow to marry Jo Ann Nelson in July of 1950.
Through his early school years beginning when he was 12, he worked at “Perry Hanson Motors” for Les Hanson, earning $1.00 per week. Later, Les Hanson and Frank Mersen, Sr. became partners in Hanson-Mersen Motors, which F.J. purchased in 1964. F.J. sold cars for over three generations. He retired a few times, finally succeeding in 1995. He served on the Montana Automobile Dealers Association Board. In his retirement, F.J. constructed over 100 balsa wood airplanes, many of which he gave to family and friends. He was a voracious reader and truly appreciated the library for the many courtesies extended to him.
F.J. was a member of First Lutheran Church for 71 years, serving as the head usher for over 40 years where he truly enjoyed greeting the parishioners each Sunday, timing sermons and training new ushers. He served on the church council for a number of years. F.J. wielded a mean spritz gun making thousands of cookies for the church’s annual Scandinavian Bake Sale. He also made all of the chimichangas and blue cheese dressing for Sam’s Supper Club for numerous years.
F.J. became a Mason at 21 and a Shriner at 23 years of age. He belonged to both for over 50 years. He served as a trustee for the Valley View Nursing Home, Luke’s 500, the Library Board and Kiwanis. At age 91, he was featured in a Gillette Razor Instagram post touting the merits of their shaving products.
F.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Louise Mersen, parents-in-law, Richard P. and Alice Nelson, two sisters-in-law, Shirley Nelson Wallis and Carol Nelson Bowen, his brothers-in-law Harold Garnaas, Rollie Bowen and Bryce Wallis, and nephew Robert Garnaas. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann with whom he would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in July; his sister Betty Garnaas and her sons Richard (Karen) and daughter Jennifer; Dr. Mark (Renee) and sons Nels, Luke and Toren; his daughters Marcia (Russ) Brown and children Trent and Stephanie (Mike) Maier and children Carter, Paige and Owen; Becky (Lee) Erickson and daughter Elissa Erickson and her son Leo Erickson; Johanna Mersen and Steve Blakeman; Jane (Jake) Callantine and children Catherine (Curtis) Doubet and Krista Callantine; his nieces Susie Bloom, Cheryl Kippen; nephews Rick (Martha) Wallis, Jeff (Hal) Wallis, Bill (Jan) Bowen and numerous cousins.
A celebration of life will be held this summer. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, the Glasgow Library or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Kathy Fuhrman says
“Kyke” was a name spoken by my Dad, Clarence Fuhrman, with great admiration. I remember the first time that I saw Kyle and Jo Ann together… a stunning couple would be an understatement!!! They always were so kind and always smiling. Jo Ann, your heart must be hurting to lose your wonderful husband of so many years. May God bless you with peace in your heart until you are together again in Heaven. To all of Kyke’s family, I pray for peace in your hearts. God gained another fine angel!!!
Lorraine Hughes says
We are sorry to hear about Kyke’s death. 92 years of fabulous memories to celebrate!!!
James F. Rickley says
Such a positive, encouraging force – a joy to meet and greet on every occasion. So gracious and caring. I’m privileged to have had you in my life.
Duane Claypool says
So sorry to hear of Kyke’s passing. He & Jo Ann were great friends of my Mother & Dad. I always enjoyed Kyke’s sense of humor & sharp mind. I have great memories of the times he & Jo Ann were at my parents house in Hinsdale. To Jo Ann & all of the family God Bless.
Willa Buck GrayHawk says
My condolences to Kyke’s family on their loss. Kyke had assisted my mother in financing many vehicles, she was newly divorced and we had recently moved back to MT, and my mother was trying to get back on her feet with us 2 children, and Kyke had faith in her and we had a much needed vehicle. So sorry to hear of his passing. I know my mother thanked Kyke for believing in her and assisting her at a time when she needed it the most. Thank you Kyke and RIP.
Martha phipps says
It was my pleaure to meet “Mr Frank” gentle sweet man and he could sing with me Amazing grace. Martha
Randeen says
Always a smile wherever you would meet. The garage, church, on the street always treated like you were someone special. He was a wonderful gentleman. Glad I had the privilege of knowing Kyke
Gary G Myhre says
Kyke and his family were such good neighbors to my Mom and Dad, Lyle and June Myhre. I was young but their steep front yard was something i was glad I didn’t have to mow.. it sounds like Kyke had a great life and enjoyed and taught his family well and that’s all we can ask for.