Merlin F. Carpenter, 86, of Minot, passed away Friday, April 6, 2007, in a Minot hospital.

Merlin F. Carpenter, son of Lemuel and Cecilia (Fagen) Carpenter was born December 24, 1920, in the Turtle Mountain area near St. John, N.D. He was raised on the family farm and graduated salutatorian from St. John High School in 1937. He moved to Minot and worked and attended Minot State University. In 1941, he moved to Burbank, Calif., where he was employed by the Lockheed Aircraft Company. He married Bernice Garrison of Rolla, N.D., on February 15, 1942, in Burbank, Calif. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the Pacific area during World War II and was honorably discharged in March 1946. He and his wife returned to the Hansboro, N.D., area and later moved to Devils Lake, N.D. He worked for the Great Northern Railway (later the Burlington Northern) from 1952 until his retirement in December 1981.

He was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars holding all the post #753 offices rising to State Commander in 1975. He also served on several National V.F.W. committees. He was also a member of the American Legion, Military Order of the Cooties, Eagles, and a life member of Elks Lodge 1216.

He is survived by son David (Minot), daughter Janet and husband Kirk Westfall (Albuquerque, N.M.), son Dennis and wife Carolyn (Minot), and son Greg and wife Maria (Minot). Also surviving are one brother Conrad of North St. Paul, Minn.; three sisters, Lois Rybachek of Rice Lake, Wisc., Irma Malasnik, and Eleanor Dicker of Easton, Penn.; also 12 grandchildren, Scott Gates, John O'Connor, Eric Carpenter, Loni Carpenter, Wendy Klein, Melissa Malbrough, Jim Miller, Colin Carpenter, Abagail Carpenter, Christina Mixemong, Patrick Carpenter, and Angela Carpenter, and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; daughter Bonnie; great-grandson Tyler; and brother Eldon.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Tuesday (today), April 10, 2007, from noon to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral home, Minot.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Donations may be made to an organization of the donor's choice.

Officiant: Pastor Bob Edwards

Music: Christina Mixemong, viola and Angela Carpenter, violin, prelude music

Greg and Maria Carpenter, vocalists
"In the Garden" and "Rock of Ages"

Congregational Hymns: "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" #622
Selmer Moen, organist

Honorary Bearers: Merlin's family and friends

Active Bearers: Patrick Carpenter, Colin Carpenter, Eric Carpenter, John O'Connor, Jim Miller Darwin Klein and Rob Mixemong

Military Honors: Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #753, Minot

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