Merrill, Fred W. (88) of Mound died peacefully on April 24, 2015, in memory care at Parkshore Senior Campus in Saint Louis Park. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret. Originally from Omaha, Fred served on an escort carrier in the Pacific during WWII before marrying Margaret, and gaining his degree from Iowa State. The couple settled on Lake Minnetonka near the lake cabin of his aunt and the happy summers of his youth. His career was in mechanical engineering with Honeywell, then with Medtronic from which he retired at 69. He built boats with his buddy Stanley, learned to fly, and loved to fish. It was all so simple before the children. They had two, Steve (Patti) of Duluth, and Bill (Ella) of Golden Valley who both survive their dad. Fred loved his dark haired Maggie, his boys, his projects, and his home on the lake. He ripped around in Volkswagens, wore suspenders and is remembered by a lot of tormented waitresses. The man lived well, lived long and won the game. There is no service per Fred's request. In lieu of flowers, donations to the employee fund at LifeSprk (Parkshore) are preferred, 3633 Park Center Blvd, St. Louis Park 55416 fredmerrill.family@gmail.com