Alvin Martin Merkel

Alvin Martin Merkel, 86, Bismarck, passed away peacefully on Aug. 29, 2012, at the Sanford Care Center off Collins, Mandan. Services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele. Visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 3 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Alvin was born Oct. 7, 1925, in Braddock, ND. He was the second born to Phillip and Emma Preszler Merkel. Alvin grew up on a farm in Braddock and attended Baker Township Grammar School and graduated from the 8th grade. He then began working on the family farm. In 1952 Alvin met Shirley Thompson at the Steele rodeo. On Oct. 11, 1953, they were united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kintyre, ND. Alvin and Shirley lived and farmed on the family farm until 1959, and later on the Engleman Ranch in Braddock. In 1964, they made their home in Bismarck where they raised 7 children. His tie to farming was evident in his collection of John Deere items. Alvin began working for Northern Improvement Company where he repaired and painted equipment for 33 years, until his retirement in 1997. Painting and repairing was also a hobby. Alvin restored vehicles, including his 1952 Jeep. His love of restoration has been passed on to his children and grandchildren. Alvin enjoyed playing the accordion and dancing to old time waltz and polka music. He especially enjoyed times spent with family and friends. In April 2009, he moved to the care center he called home. He enjoyed activities including bingo, pokeno, and entertainment by local musicians, socializing with others, and the great care he received from the staff at the care center. He is survived by his children, Connie Alan Trauger, Brenda Greg Holzworth, Verna Merkel, Patty Lee Schneider, Keith Jennifer Merkel, and Kevin Karla Merkel, all of Bismarck; his nine grandchildren, Kristin Chad Sundsbak, Nathan Trauger, Matthew and Shawn Holzworth, Megan Merkel fiancé, Jerry Spitzer, Timothy Kayla Merkel, and Myranda, Macy and Marissa Merkel; and four great grandchildren, Sydney and Ryan Sundsbak, Noah Trauger and Ayden Merkel; two sisters, Lydia Emler, Lodi, CA, and Irene Kleppe, Napoleon, ND; sister-in-law, Bessie Merkel, Mobridge, SD; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley in 1985; his son, Ricky in 2007; his parents; his brother, Albert; brothers-in-law, Harold Emler and Ross Kleppe; and his granddaughter-in-law, Lindsay Trauger. We will miss you and you will be forever in our hearts.

Alvin Martin Merkel

October 7, 1925 - August 29, 2012