Mirlen Lamar Fett, 82, of Austin, Minn. died Thursday, April 19, 2012, at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minn.

Mirlen was born on Feb. 20, 1930, in Austin to George and Anna (Melde) Fett. He graduated from Austin High School in 1948. On June 19, 1949, he married Delores M. Sutherland in Austin. Mirlen served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant training troops in the U.S. to go overseas.

Mirlen worked at the George A. Hormel Co. for 32 years as a cost accounting manager. He also worked at McFarland Trucklines and as a teacher’s aide in the Austin Public School System. He was a member of the Crane Community Chapel until moving to Yuma, Ariz. in 1996. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Eagles club.

In his spare time, Mirlen enjoyed dancing, watching the weather channel, puzzles, games, lefse, growing tomatoes, big band and gospel music and bible study. He had been a professional musician, playing trombone with the Dixielanders. Mirlen especially loved to spend time with his family and loved his wife very much.

Mirlen is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Delores Fett, Arden Hills, Minn.; children Tamra (Steve) Arnold, Owatonna, Minn., Rick (Lydia) Fett, Sunland, Calif., Ron Fett, Van Nuys, Calif., Barry (Christy) Fett, Adams, Minn.; grandchildren Lindsey Arnold, Brady Arnold, Kelsey Arnold, Kory Arnold, Elizabeth Velezmoro, Paul Velezmoro, Raven Fett, Joshua Fett, Isaiah Fett, and Payton Fett; sisters Dorothy Jacobson, Adams, Arlene Peterson, Austin; brother George (Karin) Fett, Maple Grove, Minn.; nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at the Crane Community Chapel with the Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. A reception will follow the service. Clasen-Jordan is assisting with arrangements.