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Merlyn Koppelsloen • 1926 - 2011 Merlyn Jay Koppelsloen was born April 3, 1926, at home in Leaf Mountain Township of Burke County, near Columbus, ND, to Alfred and Inga (Nygaard) Koppelsloen. He was raised on a dairy farm near Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School. Merlyn married Beulah Brenden on June 11, 1947, in Plentywood, MT. Together they raised their family of five girls in the Columbus area. He farmed and ranched for 45 years, worked in the coal mines, had his own trucking company and for a time worked in the oil fields. He was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus, the Columbus Lions Club, and served on the Columbus School Board. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Minot, and was an active community member with school and service organizations. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone, donating his time and equipment to help his neighbors and the community. Merlyn enjoyed sports, as he played and refereed basketball, and played independent baseball for 20 years. He also enjoyed bowling and fishing. He loved to go dancing and play cards. His best times were spent with his family and friends. Merlyn and Beulah spent part of 20 winters in Mesa, AZ. It was there he began his woodworking hobby which he continued when they retired to Minot in 1995. Merlyn was a very loved husband, father, and grandfather, whose wish was that his family could enjoy the life he had. He was a kind, honest, loving and gentle man who impacted a lot of lives. He had a strong work ethic, faith and values, which he passed on to his family of whom he was so very proud. His loving family includes: wife of 63 years, Beulah, Minot; daughters, Carolyn (Pat) Blake, Dickinson, ND, Connie (Bruce) Ellingson, Bismarck, ND, Ann (Rod) Parrill, Bottineau, ND, Amy (Gale) Rauschenberger, Tioga, ND, and Maureen (Glenn) Fretland, Casper, WY; and an “adopted son” Sheldon Smith, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Jaden (Mendi) Blake, Alison (Aaron) Jones, Heidi, Ryan, and Kyle Ellingson, Gabriel (Karlee) Rauschenberger, Garth (Evy) Rauschenberger, Brooke Parrill, and Emily and Molly Fretland; great-grandchildren, Annaliese, Gracie, and Burke Rauschenberger, and Harper Blake; brother, Jerome (Barb) Koppelsloen, Minot; sisters, Grace Faaren, Olympia, WA, Gloria (Donald) Swanson, Houston, TX, Jane Horntvedt, Minot, ND, and Sherlene (Jim Clute) Nelson, Minot; three sisters-in-law, Jean Koppelsloen, Columbus, ND, Beryl Skoby, Minneapolis, MN, and Lillian Strege, Luck, WI; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Officiating Clergy: Pastor John Streccius and Pastor Nathan Mugaas Music: Honorary Urn Bearers Immediately following the memorial service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the fellowship hall. The graveside service will take place in June of 2011. Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Merlyn. To sign the online guest
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Merlyn Koppelsloen, 84, Minot, ND, died Monday, January 17, 2011, in his home.