Merton Harris Kirkeide

Merton Harris Kirkeide was born May 11, 1928 in Mekinock, ND, the third child of ten, to Martin and Hattie (Jorgenson) Kirkeide. He passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023 at Lifecare Greenbush Manor. Merton went to school until the eighth grade in Pencer, MN . After schooling, he helped his dad on the farm and also worked for Carl Johnson. He was drafted into the Army in July of 1951. Merton served as a mechanic in the Korean War. He was in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1953.  After returning home, he then bought 6 cows and started his own dairy farm. Dad also worked for Art Braun as a mechanic for 14 years.

On October 5, 1957 Merton married Annette (2P) Holm.  To this union, five children were born. They milked cows and farmed together until 1988 when Mom passed away. He continued to milk cows and work hard on the farm.

In 1998, Dad moved to town. He was very proud of his garden, lawn, and flowers. Dad loved to visit with anyone. He especially loved when someone would stop by for coffee and Oreo cookies. Dad’s favorite time was when his family was around. He always looked forward to receiving letters from Brianna.

Dad was an active member of United Free church, which became his 2nd family. He was on many boards including; Ag Service, Land-O-Lakes, church council, and Livestock Shipping Association. Dad proudly served as a 71-year member of the American Legion Post 88. In his spare time, Dad enjoyed old-time music, watching the Minnesota Twins, and going to dances. Dad took pleasure in mowing the Pauli cemetery for many years. He believed in hard work and honesty.

Merton is survived by his five children: Janene (Larry) Knudsvig Dunn
Center ND, Ann (Dale) Kadrmas Washburn ND, Michael (Jody) Kirkeide Greenbush, Paul (Joan) Kirkeide Herman MN, Barry (Roxane) Kirkeide Greenbush.
13 grandchildren: Les (Amanda) Knudsvig, Rozlyn (Cody) Cerkoney, Shantel (JW) Lorenz, Derek Kirkeide, Drew Kadrmas, Alyssa (Paige) Bruce, Brittany (Anthony) Sarni, Brennan (Mariah) Kirkeide, Tanner (Holly) Kirkeide, Megan Kirkeide, Kayla (Scott) Flath, Courtney KIrkeide, Cody Kirkeide.
Step grandchildren: Jason (Raquel) Kadrmas, Ashley Kadrmas
Great grandchildren: Rylee, Brianna, Landri, Everett, William, Brooklyn, Lennox, Onyx, and baby Kirkeide due any day.
Step great grandchildren: Taylor, Alex, Chase.
Sisters:  Helen Anderson, Ardith Dvergsten Kansas City Mo. Two sister- in- laws: Avis Iverson and Carol Schafer.
He was preceded in death by his wife 2P (Annette) Kirkeide, by his parents Martin and Hattie, siblings and spouses Muriel & Ray Geroy, Clifton & Audrey, Orville & Gin, Hilma & Darrell Hyndaman, Marlene & Alex Kropelnicki, Gladys & Ted Lilja, Richard, Art Anderson, and Delbert Dvergsten. One granddaughter and grandson, Nicole Kirkeide and infant Brandon Kirkeide. In-laws, Arnt & Bell Holm, Clifford & Ruby Holm, Carol & Myron Miller, Glenn Iverson.

We would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Lifecare Greenbush for all the wonderful care they gave Dad.

A Funeral Service for Merton H. Kirkeide of Greenbush will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the United Free Lutheran Church in Greenbush at 10:00am with a visitation an hour prior. A Visitation will also be held the night before at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau from 5:00-7:00pm with a prayer service at 7:00pm. Interment will be held at Pauli Cemetery in Greenbush.

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