Merlin "Mike" Spading, age 79 of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2011.

Merlin Harold Spading was born on November 24, 1931 in Douglas, MN to Harold and Mabel Spading. Mike graduated from Pine Island High School in 1950. Following high school, he was drafted into the US Marine Corps and served during the Korean Conflict. In May of 1954, he married Elaine "Laney" Clark at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester. Mike began his career with IBM in October of 1956 and retired in 1987 after over 31 years of service. Mike was very mechanical with the ability to fix almost anything. Mike loved northern Minnesota, and enjoyed traveling often with his wife Laney in their motor home. Mike looked forward to the many fishing trips his family took together spanning four generations.

He is survived by a daughter Sue Spading of Rochester, three sons, John (Karen) of Rochester, Dennis (Jennifer) of Maple Grove, and Rodney (Laura) of Rochester, grandchildren, Wendy (George) Caucutt of St. Paul, Dean Spading and Jane Spading both of Rochester, and Jack Spading of Maple Grove, and two great-grandchildren, Owen and Will Caucutt of St. Paul. He is preceded by his wife "Laney" and a son, William.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, MN with Rev. Paul Suprenant officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Macken Funeral Home's River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the Mass.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.