Clifford S. Merrill, son of Joseph S. and Pearl (Marsh) Merrill, was born on January 30, 1923 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Clifford passed away on October 24, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Home in Estherville at the age of 97 years.

He attended school in Pine River, Minnesota. He enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and served during World War II. Upon his return from service he lived in Trimont and Jackson, Minnesota, before moving to Estherville in 1952. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Saxby, and they had two children, Luella and Clifford Jr. This marriage was later dissolved. On September 24, 1952 he was united in marriage to Beverly Eide Cody in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with this union he gained a daughter, Roxann and three step-sons Russell, Richard, and Randy. Cliff was employed at Donovan Motors for 23 years as a mechanic and was a tool salesman for ten years.

Cliff was a member of Estherville Lutheran Church and the VFW in Estherville. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, bowling and going on motorcycle rides and trips.

Cliff is survived by his children Luella (Jim) Forholt of FL, Clifford Jr (Wilma) Merrill of Las Vegas, NV, and Roxann Merrill (Special Friend, Charlie Longman) of Estherville; his step-sons: Russel Cody of CA and Richard Cody of Estherville, and his step-daughter-in-law Carol Cody of Estherville. He is also survived by many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren.

Cliff is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Beverly; son, Randy Cody; his brother, Clyde Merrill; sister, Betty Dippre; and half-brother Otto Merrill.