Mervin Duane Oakland, 81, of Myrtle, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, Orlen and Mildred Oakland, his brother, Ordean Oakland (Evie), and his grandson, Colton Dahlen.
Born on February 18, 1944, Mervin was a lifelong farmer whose roots and heart were deeply tied to the land he worked. He was known for his quick wit, sharp humor, and legendary storytelling—traits that made him one of the area’s most beloved jokesters and earned him the nickname Walking Eagle (too full of it to fly!) His family and friends will remember him for the countless laughs, the tales only he could tell, and his warm presence. Mervin cherished his family deeply, especially his grandchildren. He treasured time spent with them whenever he could, sharing fresh sweet corn the ‘way-it-should-be-grown’ and often reminiscing about visits to Cass Lake to see Grandma Chickadee—moments that brought him great joy.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Dissell (Bob & special niece, Holly); his children, June Dahlen, Todd Oakland, Trudi (Star) Oakland-Lewis (Keith), Julie Oakland-Soukup (Frank), and Tyler Klusmeier; his grandchildren, Stephanie Lapping, Rachel Lapping-Alfonso, Daphne Breyer (Justin), Blake Oakland (Alicia), Carmel Lewis, Zumbi Lewis, Rylie Heilman, Aspen Heilman, Ares Soukup, Soul Soukup, and Aliana Klusmeier; his 13 treasured great-grandchildren and Wendy Farmer and her family who have been calling him grandpa their whole lives. Mervin’s legacy lives on not only in his family but in the friendships he built over a lifetime of farming, laughter, and love.
Join us at Derek’s Man Cave, where family and friends are invited to share memories, stories, and laughter in his honor. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to 1424 Kirkwood Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007.
It’s time for you to soar, Walking Eagle
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