Merton Leslie Rima, age 95, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at River Grand Senior Living in Grand Rapids, MN.

Born 30 September 1930 to Aurther and Goldie (Austin) Rima of Warba, Minnesota. Merton was the youngest of the four children and he grew up on a farm at the end of a gravel road (Sago #4) then referred to as "string town" as everyone living along that road was related in some way. In those years, if compared to today's standards, they were poor economically, but very rich in family values.

In 1947, at age 16, Merton entered the Army Air Corp. He attended boot camp at what is now Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas. He attended Aircraft Engine school at Chanute Field Illinois, where he specialized on the P-80, the first jet fighter to enter the Air Force. His first duty-assignment was Okinawa, where he worked on the last piston engine Fighter in the Air Force, the F-82. In 1950 he was sent to Rapid City AFB where he spent seven years working and flying the then world's largest piston powered bomber, the B-36. Other military assignments included Guam, Japan, Alaska, Greenland, England, and Panama. Merton retired from the Airforce in 1967 and spent 10 years in the reserves. As a civilian, Merton worked in the heating industry for a number of years and also in the risk management part of the insurance industry. While stationed in Rapid City South Dakota, Merton was introduced to and married JoAnn Potter with whom he had two children, David and Denise.

Merton was a member of Itasca Masonic Lodge 208, Shriners AAD Temple and as a Hospital Dad where he was responsible for the collection of hundreds of pounds of tabs from cans to support the Shriners Children's hospital. Merton was one of the first life members of the Itasca Gun Club and was a life member of VFW post 1720, a past member of American Legion post 60 as well as a member of the Eagles Club.

Preceded in death by his parents; brothers Russell and Calvin; sister Alma; wife JoAnn; great grandson Gabriel Lange; granddaughter Krystee Bohrer; wife Delores and her grandson Jay MacNeil, and her son, Robert (Boomer) Herdman.

Merton is survived by his children Denise Bohrer, David (Susan) Rima; grandchildren Jodi Lange, Billy Bohrer, Emily (Wade) Kottre, Sara (Aaron) Daigle, Trisha Rima, Carolyn (Tristan Lehnen) Rima, Erin (Carsen) Syke; 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; niece Barbara Erickson; nephews Dennis Rima and Robert (Darla) Rima. He is also survived by Delores' daughters Nancy (Dave) Warneke, Denise (Dee Jones) Herdman, Janet MacNeil and their families.

The family is deeply grateful to Moments Hospice and the staff of River Grand Assisted Living for their gentle care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations in Merton's memory may be directed to the Glaucoma Foundation (https://glaucomafoundation.org/donate/#form).

A Gathering of Fellowship celebrating Merton's life will be held June 20, 2026 (Saturday) from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN. Interment with full military honors will follow at Warba-Feeley Cemetery, Warba, MN.