Merna Pullar Obituary

Merna Ruth (Smeland) Pullar

Merna Ruth Smeland Pullar of Hoyt Lakes, died at the Essentia Health Northern Pines Nursing Home in Aurora, Minn.

She was born in Duluth, Minn., on December 7, 1933. She grew up in Nopeming. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1952. Merna married Leo George Pullar on September 6, 1952.

Merna and Leo first lived in a very small trailer in Aurora, Minn. They moved to the Evergreen Trailer Court, then lived in Embarrass before finally settling in Hoyt Lakes in 1966. They joined the Trinity Methodist Church.

Later, they joined the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #262 in Biwabik. Merna held many offices including Worthy Matron, but mostly she held the office of Secretary of the Chapter. She was a District Instructor and was chosen to be the Grand Chaplain for the Minnesota Grand Family 1980-81.

Merna loved to travel and go camping every long weekend that Leo would have off. She was very talented in needle work. She made and sold many wonderful knitted sweaters with different designs on the back. She loved doing counted cross-stitch and her work was flawless!

She is survived by her children: son, Chris (Tammy) of Hoyt Lakes, daughters, Julie (Stephen) Vanderburg of Barnes, WI and Patricia (Richard) VonderHaar of Sauk Rapids, MN and son, Steven (Karin) of Shafer, MN; grandchildren: Angela, April, Richard, Jennifer, Theresa, Matthew, and Amy Jo; 12 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, of 67 years; parents (Christian and Emma Smeland); sisters: Esther, Thordis and Mabel.

Memorial service to be held at noon Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora with Barbara Hegfors officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Hoyt Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.