Merle Fischer

Merle (Melvin) Reuben Fischer, 65, of Zap, ND passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 after a major cardiac event. Services will be held at 10:00 AM CST on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Golgotha Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, ND with Pastor J. Scott Pierson officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Wittenberg Cemetery, Zap, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.

Merle was born on October 3, 1958 in Hazen, ND to Ardella Amy (Walz) and Reuben Fischer. He was the middle child of three children and when he was brought home from the hospital, his older brother, Carey said “take him back”. Merle grew up and attended school in Zap, graduating in 1976. He was active in basketball and drama while in school. He was also a member of a gang called the Northern Bunch, aka naughty boys who lived out north.

Merle met and married Rebecca Renz in 1979 in Hazen, ND and the couple had three children, Shawn, Nicole and Lindsey. Merle met Wendy Barden in 1990 and the couple decided to make a life together. They made it official on February 26, 2016 after a short 25 year engagement. They combined their families and became a family of seven.

Merle’s favorite things to do were spending time with his dogs, going to derbies and hunting – all with his best buddies and family. In his spare time, he made everyone sit through Bonanza and Gunsmoke, on repeat. His friends always said if they ever died, they would want to come back as one of Merle’s pet dogs because life would be great. He spoiled them terribly.

Merle was a loyal person in every aspect of his life. If he was your employee, he was loyal, if he was your friend, that same rule applied. He was someone that you could always depend on if you needed anything. Merle was in pain daily, but he did what needed to be done. He knew that he had his children watching and was taught that you never give up, you can’t stop life because of pain or because of being tired. Merle was proud of his work ethic, and knew that if he wanted a good life he needed to work hard every day to make that happen.

Merle was proud of his family and friends, his job and his dogs, but mostly he was proud of his kids. He loved his kids very, very much and that only increased every day he was here. He also enjoyed being a papa to his grandkids. They had cousin sleepovers at grandma’s and papa’s where he would take them on wagon rides pulled by the four wheeler. The kids loved it and never wanted to leave. The parents would drag each kid home kicking and screaming. He recently received a pin for his 40 years in the union, which made him very proud.

Merle is survived by his wife, Wendy; his children, Shawn (Bella Gause) Fischer, Nicole Sullivan, Amie (Ben) Winters, Randi (Jared Moore) Bowes and Lindsey (JT Maynes) Fischer; 11 very special grandchildren who will carry him in their heart forever, Corey (Courtney Gunter) Renner, Aniyah Fischer, Presley Fischer, Brooklynn Winters, Dominic Sullivan, Olivia Winters, Lucy Sullivan, Piper Bowes, Remi Bowes, Jamie Maynes and Jonathan Maynes; his older brother, Carey Fischer; his little sister, Nola (Dale) Morgenstern; his brothers-in-law, Terry (Gail) Barden and Rob (Diane) Barden; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Ardella Fischer; an infant sister; his son-in-law, Derek Sullivan; several aunts and uncles; and a special cousin, Veryl “Mort” Morast, who was one of his very best friends.

Merle was a wonderful husband, son, father, brother, uncle, cousin and a great friend. We will miss him dearly.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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