Merwyn H. Oksendahl
Merwyn H. Oksendahl
Merwyn Howard Oksendahl, the son of Ingvald and Mabel (Anseth) Oksendahl, was born June 5, 1925, in the home of his parents, southwest of Rugby, North Dakota. He died at the age of 86 years on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Merwyn was raised in the home of his parents on the farm and attended the neighborhood country schools.He farmed alongside his father until his father’s death in 1952. He then took over the farm and continued to farm throughout his life.On June 2, 1957, he was united in marriage to Marlene Rue at Berwick Lutheran Church in Berwick, North Dakota, by Pastor James Peterson.The couple made their home, farmed and raised their children on the Oksendahl homestead, southwest of Rugby.In his spare time, he enjoyed spending it with his family and friends as well as hunting with his son, grandsons and friends.He spent most of his time outside and loved God’s gift of the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years; two daughters, Melody Oksendahl of Bismarck, and Noel and her husband, Dave Heagerty, of Oak Grove, Minnesota; one son, Bruce and his wife, Donna, of Rugby; grandchildren, Brandon, Andrew and Matthew Oksendahl, Matthew and Samantha Heagerty, and Megan (Jon) Thompson; one great-grandchild, Carter Thompson; two sisters, Norma (Halvorson) Blessum and Ione Grove, both of Rugby; sister-in-law, Lois Oksendahl of Morris, Minnesota; seven nieces; six nephews; numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bradley; niece, Nancy (Halvorson) Due, brothers-in-law, Lester Halvorson, Melvin Blessum, and Sig Grove.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Rugby. Spring burial will be in Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby.
Pastor Mike Pretzer, First Lutheran Church, Rugby, officiated. Music was provided by Galen Mack, vocalist, and Jane Ekren, organist.
Casketbearers were his grandsons, Brandon, Andrew, and Matthew Oksendahl, and Matthew Heagerty and granddaughters, Samantha Heagerty and Megan Thompson.
Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.
Paid obituary