Everitt Merlin

Everitt Merlin was born May 2, 1921 to Ben & Emma Fjordbak.

Everitt & Mary Annette “Ann” Tarter (6/24/25) were married on December 26, 1943.
  

Edward Merlin - July 19, 1947

Tim – February 23, 1951

Steve – October 4, 1957

Everitt & Annette
Eddie, Tim, and Steve

Everitt, Ed and Tim
at Grandpa Fjordbak's

Ed & Sharon

Steve & Patty
Michael, Matthew and Lauren

Rev. Everitt Merlin Fjordbak May 2, 1921-August 20, 2008. Born in Storm Lake Iowa to Bernhard and Emma Fjordbak. He met Dallasite Mary Annette Tarter in college; they married, and moved to Dallas where he went to Dallas Theological Seminary. He spent 36 years as pastor of Lakewood Assembly. During those years he led an ecumenical movement which brought together many people who represented disparate denominations. He never sought public notoriety, but his ministry and unusually diverse church was the subject of a nationally aired review by the TV program 60 Minutes and local publications such as D Magazine and Texas Monthly. From serving as chaplain for a Civil Air Patrol group based at SMU in the 1950's to serving communion at an Episcopal church in the 1980's, he was at home with everyone. He authored more than 15 books, including an exhaustive commentary and exposition on the book of Hebrews, which has been used in theology schools and seminaries. After retirement from pastoring, he continued to minister around the country in pulpits of many denominations. In Dallas, he had a special role as discreet counselor to many business leaders and their families. He felt he was called not to build buildings or a religious empire, but to be a shepherd to those willing to be led to the Lord. He was a positive person, rarely complained and did not judge others. He influenced many to go into the ministry or missions. He is survived by wife Ann, sons Ed and his wife Sharon of Dallas and their daughter Felicia Manno Alesia of Chicago, Dr. Tim Fjordbak of El Paso, Steve and his wife Patty of Grapevine and their children Matthew, Michael and Lauren. He is also survived by brothers Norman and wife Betty of Webster MN, Arnol and wife Cozette of Benson, MN, Roger and wife Ruth of Benson, MN, sisters-in-law Margaret of Sioux City IA, and Dorothy Bjorck of Benson MN. Family visitation and viewing will be at Restland on Thursday 6-8 P.M. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday at 3:30 P.M. at Restland's Memorial Chapel with graveside services following. Pastors Michael Hankins, E. Wayne Hanks and J. Don George officiating. In keeping with his beliefs, memorials should be made to a ministry of your choice.

Published in Dallas Morning News from August 21 to August 22, 2008

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