Merle Nelson, 84, Minot, died Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in a Minot nursing home.

Merle Orian Nelson was born on the family farm near Aurelia, N.D., to John and Marie (Moen) Nelson. He graduated from Donnybrook High School in 1942.

He served in the Army with the 720th Railroad Operating Battalion during World War II. Merle began his career with the Great Northern Railroad and retired from Burlington Northern in 1981.

On Dec. 30, 1946, he married Betty Ann Frunz in Sidney. Being a company man, Merle and family moved several times and lived in Berthold, Noonan, Williston, Minneapolis and Minot to name a few. Betty Ann passed away Sept. 9, 1999.

Merle was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ.  He is survived by his sister, Ione Lawson, Minot and three children, Valli (Rod) Helstad, Williston, Bruce (Yvonne DeMoss), Littleton, Colo., and Melissa (Trinity) Schaff, Fargo; grandchildren, Michele Thomte, Crosby, Jessica (Jeremy) Kruse, Dickinson, John Nelson and Jesse Nelson, Littleton and Evan Schaff, Fargo and great-grandchildren, Trevor and Kia Thomte, Alyssa Helstad and Nelson and Preston Kruse.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann; his parents; sister, Vergil Holte and two brothers, Dennis and Lloyd. 

A memorial service is at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 11 a.m.  

There is no reviewal, but friends may sign the book on Friday from 12-5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com.