Rick Merkel

Ricky P. Merkel, 41, Fargo, ND, formerly of Bismarck, rode his Harley into heaven after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, Rick passed away at St. Alexius Medical Center on February 12, 2007. Services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Nate Keith officiating. Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm Thursday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Rick was born on December 4, 1965, in Bismarck, ND, to Alvin and Shirley Thompson Merkel. He attended Bismarck Public Schools. He was employed by Service Master in Bismarck for eight years. In 1990, he moved to Fargo where he worked at Fargo Tank followed by twelve years of service at Case New Holland as an assembly line painter. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. After being diagnosed with lung and liver cancer in March of 2006, he was no longer able to work. Rick continued living in Fargo until January 2007, when he returned to Bismarck to be with his family. Rick enjoyed riding his Harley, spending time at the lake, going to concerts and drag races. He took great pride in renovating his house. Rick is survived by his father, Alvin; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Connie Alan Trauger, Brenda Greg Holzworth, Verna Merkel, and Patty Lee Schneider, all of Bismarck, ND; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith Jennifer and Kevin Karla, all of Bismarck, ND; his nieces and nephews, Kristi Trauger fiance, Chad Sundsbak, Nathan Lindsay Trauger, and Matthew and Shawn Holzworth; his God-daughter, Megan and Timothy Merkel and Myranda and Macy Merkel; his great-niece and great-nephews, Sydney Trauger, Ryan Sundsbak, and Noah Trauger; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley in January 1985 and his grandparents. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Alexius Hospice and St. Alexius Medical Center for the special care given to Rick. A special thanks to Rick's primary nurse, Shawna for her kindness and support. Rick, we love and miss you. You will forever be in our hearts.

Rick Merkel

December 4, 1965 - February 12, 2007