Mervin "Johnny" Lobdell, 87, of Lena, passed away peacefully at his home on September 2, 2021, after an extended illness. He was born in the Lobdell farmhouse on January 8, 1934, to John and Leta (Kappenman) Lobdell and was the youngest of four boys. Johnny graduated from Lena High School in 1951, but his best memories were the eight years at Damascus School close to the farm. He would walk, ride his bike, or even get a ride with his dad in the horse-drawn cutter in the winter. His favorite teacher was the one he had for six years, Helen Bennett. He also said he learned so much about farming in the agriculture classes he had in high school. After high school, he learned more about farming when he worked with his dad and with his older brother Allen at his gravel business.

In March of 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Verla Liebergesell. Johnny then volunteered for the Army in the Korean War in 1954 and trained as a surveyor, first stationed in Colorado Springs and then in Korea. He and Verla returned to the Lobdell farm in 1956 and began farming. Johnny was very passionate about the Lobdell family farm.  He spent his entire life working on it with his wife, children, and grandchildren; planning to improve it, and then later, planning to make sure it continued to operate…even up until his very last day offering advice on the daily operations.  He was very happy to watch this year's crops and said multiple times that "these were the best crops he had ever seen in all of his fields combined and no flooding!" Johnny also enjoyed visiting his friends at Lane View, playing euchre, and for the past months visiting with his friends who would stop at the house almost daily. We want to especially thank Bill Hull for being a true friend to dad, stopping every day, sometimes twice a day to talk, or check on him, and to bring wonderful vegetables from his garden.

Mervin is survived by his four children, thirteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren; Murry and Julie Lobdell and their family; Andrew, Amy, Aubrey, Avery, and Adrienne Lobdell; Joe Lobdell; Tom, Heidi, Levi and Rylee Lobdell; and Cody, Lana Adelyn, and Camden Haas.  Kayla Lobdell and her family; Wes, Jenn, Louis, and Bobby Morovic; Matt Morovic and his children; Marley and Emerson; Aaron, Kelsey, and Reid McFarlane; and Haley Pentecost. Jay and Karlyn Kempel and their family; Jared and Sara, Jason and Justin Kempel. Kelly and Janet Lobdell and their family; Kade and Kendall Lobdell.  His family will miss him very much.  Mervin was preceded in death by his wife, Verla, his parents, and his brothers, Allen, Vernon, and Robert Lobdell.

Johnny had wonderful caretakers that our family appreciated very much.  Heather, Lisa and Sue provided excellent care and had endless patience for "the boss" which enabled him to stay in his home. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the members of FHN Hospice for their excellent, loving care they gave to Johnny.

Visitation for both Johnny and Verla will be held at Leamon's Funeral Home in Lena, IL on Sunday, September 5, 2021, from 2:00-4:00 pm.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A private family service and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery.

Sean Huguenin will be officiating the service.

A memorial has been established in Johnny's memory for the Lena-Winslow FFA program.