Merlyn Joseph Karst was born smiling (we assume) on February 27, 1932. His early days were spent in small town Miller, South Dakota, with his parents, Opal and Joseph, his brother Morrie, and his sister Kathy. After high school Merlyn joined the Army and trained in Alaska. This later allowed him to go to college on the GI Bill. University of South Dakota was his college of choice, and the place where he met his wife, Kleo. He was an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and the leader of the college a cappella group, The Strollers. They were married in August of 1956 and spent the next 68 years traveling through life together. Merlyn started his career with Conoco Oil Company. He and his young family were moved often. Longing for more stability, he took a job with Yamaha Motor Corporation in Buena Park, California. Yamaha quickly recognized Merlyn’s skills in marketing, sales, and public speaking. He rose from entry level to Senior Vice President during his time there. Despite what appeared to be an idyllic life, alcohol was a problem. But, he got sober, and, as Merlyn does, turned lemons into lemonade by becoming one of the county’s leading advocates for sobriety and recovery. He sat on many related boards, and led many groups to success. Throughout all of his success, he never stopped being who he was at his core, a kind, loving and accepting human being. Merlyn was a true minimalist. He never noticed or cared for the material trappings of success, but instead valued character, connection and community. Merlyn Karst was a man among men. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on.
In honor of my dad, any donations to the following in his name would be appreciated: 
The Purpose of Recovery
131 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780
714.485.3772
info@tpor.org
OR
Betty Ford Children's Program
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
14001 East Illiff Ave,, Suite 120, Aurora, Colorado 80014
800-257-7800
http://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/locations/children

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Merlyn Joseph Karst

February 27, 1932 – April 27, 2024

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