Stella L. Merkouris, 93, of Cambridge and formerly of Isanti, died November 24, 2013 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West in Cambridge.
Stella Lucille Merkouris was born Aug. 28, 1920 in Isanti, Minn. to Arthur and Selma (Anderson) Ohlsen. She attended the Long Lake Country School and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1937. She also studied at Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. On Dec. 27, 1947 Stella married James S. Merkouris at Long Lake Lutheran Church. They lived for a time in Minneapolis, but returned to rural Isanti, where they raised six children.
Stella loved the country and enjoyed walking in the woods. She loved animals, nature, gardening, crossword puzzles and music. She was an excellent homemaker and enjoyed canning and baking. She was an active part of the community helping to start a 4-H club, Mothers Club and enjoyed having friends and family over for coffee.
To Stella, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was the foundation on which her life was built and lived. She exemplified this faith by her kindness, sweetness, generosity and humility. She often would begin her day by saying, This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24) She liked to sing and had a lovely voice. She was a lifelong member of Long Lake Lutheran Church and served as organist and soloist for many years as well as being involved in Ladies Aid and other church activities.
She has passed on a rich spiritual heritage and a love of music to her children and grandchildren. She was truly the heart of our home. She will be greatly missed by her family and many others.
Stella will be lovingly remembered by her three sons, Paul (Amelia) Merkouris of Anchorage, Alaska, Tim (Renee) Merkouris of North Branch, Jerry (Paula) Merkouris of Valley Springs, S.D.; two daughters, Susan Merkouris of Austin, Texas, Karin (David) Bohon of Appleton, Wis.; daughters-in-law, My Quyen Merkouris of Vietnam, Ann Merkouris of Isanti; 26 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and by other relatives and friends.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James; son, John; sister, Marion Slater; and brother, Wynlow Buddy Ohlsen.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 30 at Long Lake Lutheran Church in Isanti with Rev. Matt Flom officiating. Musicians were Kristy Anderson and Dave and Karin Bohon. Pallbearers were Sam Bohon, and Andrew, Ben, Dan, Jim, Michael, Rich and Ryan Merkouris. Interment was in Long Lake Community Cemetery. Arrangements were with Strike Funeral Homes.
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