Kathryn Merkle-Storsved

Kathryn Marie Merkle-Storsved, age 92, of Fergus Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026.

Born as Kathryn Marie Setervang, the eldest daughter of Karl and Martha (Oien) Setervang, she entered the world on December 27, 1933, in Kathryn, ND. Kathryn spent her early years on the family farm outside Borup, MN, alongside her two younger brothers.

Kathryn married Fritz Merkle Jr. on July 12, 1952, in Reno, NV. Together, they built a life in Napa, CA spending time with friends and family and later moved to Vacaville, CA. Their union was blessed with three children: Larry, Marilyn and Kathy. They spent many years in California before eventually settling on a quiet little rural home outside of Hendrum, MN. Many happy memories were made together before Fritz passed away in 1986.

Kathryn found love again and married James (Jim) Joris Storsved on July 7, 1989. The couple enjoyed many years fishing and gardening at their home near Hendrum, MN, before moving to West Fargo, ND, where Jim passed away in 2008.

A dedicated worker, Kathryn spent many years working at the Halstad Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home before retiring. She cherished reading, gardening, music, and, above all, time spent with her family.

Later in life, Kathryn moved to Barnesville, MN, where she was active in the Literary Club and formed lasting friendships. In the fall of 2025, she relocated to Fergus Falls, MN, to be closer to her daughter.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husbands, Fritz and Jim; her parents; her brother, John Setervang; sister Marilyn Setervang; and her son, Larry Merkle.

She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Frank) Wainwright (Fergus Falls, MN); and Kathy (Richard) Solomon (Napa, CA); daughter-in-law Lori Merkle (Peppy Haaland) (Gary, MN); six grandchildren: Kristina (Todd) Kaiser, Michael Wainwright, Lyndi (Chris) Rosenau, Randy Merkle (Jodi Sorenson), Richard Solomon, and Rebecca Solomon; great-grandchildren: Madeline Stroud, Anna Kaiser, Callie and Landon Rosenau, Autumn and Aspen Armstrong and Tommy Chrisco; her brother, Marlow (Eldbjorg) Setervang; niece Brenda Setervang; and many loving family members through marriage.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Sharon Joelson for her dedicated care of Kathryn in her residence, as well as for offering a compassionate home to her cat, Milo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Kathryn Storsved to Vivie Hospice of Fergus Falls and to the National Cancer Society.

A private family burial will take place later at Immanuel Cemetery in Hendrum, MN.

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