Ruel Gwyther

Ruel "Merv" Gwyther, 82, died June 26, 2006 at a local hospital. Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday at Church of the Ascension with the Rev. Marvin Klemmer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-9 PM Thursday and Friday from 9 AM-9 PM at Eastgate Funeral Service. A prayer service will be held at 7 PM Friday at the funeral home. Merv was born on May 27, 1924, in Mandan, ND the son of Benjamin and Alice Heiser Gwyther. He was raised on the family farm south of Fort Rice, ND, where he attended school. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1943. Merv served during World War II as a drill sergeant and military policeman in the United States Army. Merv married Peggy Rambow on December 29, 1949, at Fort Rice, ND. Following their marriage they lived in the Bismarck area. Merv farmed and ranched and also worked for the US Postal Service where he retired as postmaster at Oakes, ND in 1987. He and Peggy lived in Athens, GA, from 1986-1997 before returning to the Bismarck area. Among many of Merv's community involvements, he was a member and held offices in the Bismarck Police Posse, the American Legion, the Bismarck Elks, the Church of the Ascension and the 40 et 8, where, as a member, Merv was recognized for his devotion and assistance to his friend and co-member during a long illness. Merv was a patriotic person who respected his country and appreciated being an American. He had respect for the flag and the men and women in uniform. Merv enjoyed horses and liked fishing and hunting. He was a man who could be counted on when hard things came along. He and Peggy enjoyed good times together and with their friends. Merv is survived by his wife, Peggy, Bismarck, ND; his daughter, Mary Jo Gwyther, Anwil, Switzerland; his brother and sister-in-law, Rodney Rita Gwyther, Surprise, AZ; his sister, Patricia Richard Martinson, Nevada; and many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his three infant children, Michael, Joseph, and Debra Kay. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to St. Mary's Central High School Tuition Fund, Cancer Research, or to a charity of your choice.

Ruel Gwyther

May 27, 1924 - June 26, 2006