Merlon Smith

   Merlon Smith, 89, of Fargo, formerly of Wheatland, ND, died on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the VA Hospital in Fargo.

   Merlon Darrel Smith was born on October 24, 1934, in Wheatland, ND, to Harry and Lucille (Scott) Smith. He grew up in Wheatland, and at a young age, moved to the farm where he would live nearly his entire life. He attended local schools and graduated from Wheatland High School.

   He served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956. On December 30, 1960, he married Maggie Stroh in Sisseton, SD. Merlon farmed his entire career and he and Maggie continued to enjoy farm life into retirement.

   Merlon coached peewee baseball and girls’ softball at Wheatland, belonged to the Wheatland Rod & Gun Club, served on the Wheatland School Board, and belonged to Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, ND. He loved sports, westerns, cards—especially pinochle and whist, and especially time spent with his grandkids.

   Merlon is survived by his children, Darcy Smith, Kindred, ND, Harry (Pam) Smith, Fargo, Lucy Strouse, Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren (Steve’s): Jessica Hubbard, Jacob Smith, Isaac Smith, Luke Smith, Bridget Weber, Katie Ohnstad, (Harry’s): Colton Smith and Austin Smith, (Lucy’s): Camille Schuster and Whitney Hooper; 27 great-grandchildren and three on the way; and two great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; three siblings, Mahlon (Laurie) Smith, Mavis Hanson, and Manard (Judy) Smith.
   He was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie; his son, Steve Smith; and 4 siblings, Marvin, Melvin, Marlow, and Milton.

   Visitation: Friday, August 9, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., in Martin’s Lutheran Church, Casselton, ND.

   Service: Saturday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m., in Martin’s Lutheran Church, Casselton, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment: Saturday, August 10, at 1:15 p.m., in Wheatland Cemetery, Wheatland, ND.

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