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Merna J. Semmen • 1917 - 2008 On December 6, 1941, Merna was united in marriage to Carl "Kelly" Semmen in Paso Robles, CA. They made their home in Paso Robles, where she worked at the camp laundry. On November 12, 1945, they returned to North Dakota.. Carl and Merna owned and operated a restaurant in Douglas, ND. They also farmed in Rice Lake Township, Ward County. After moving to Minot in 1955, Merna worked for St. Joseph's Hospital from 1960-1962; later she went to work for Trinity Health as a ward clerk until she retired in May of 1979. Carl died on January 15, 1992. Following his death, Merna sold her home to St. Joseph's Hospital and moved into a condominium near Dakota Square. Merna was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. In her life she loved and enjoyed being with her family, it was always her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought a smile to her face. She loved to garden and would often be seen watering and tending to her flowers. Also, she loved reading her Bible and talking about God's love and greatness. Merna had a talent in music and in 1936, she and her sister Mildred sang with the Prairie Song Birds on KLPM radio station. She played the piano, accordion, and guitar, and sang at family gatherings. We know mother would want us to thank all the staff members and friends for all the laughter, love, respect and care they gave her during her stay at Edgewood Vista; to Pastor John and church family and friends for all their support and love, also to Bonnie Ler for all her love and medical care Mother received for so many years Those who shared her life: Son: Rodney (Linda) Semmen, Bismarck, ND; daughters Shirley (Jack) Graves, Plymouth, MN, Barbara Johnson, Judy (Michael) Morley and Dyanne (Jay) Altringer, Minot; sisters: Mildred Hager, Fort Wayne, IN and Carol Frank, Garrison, ND; grandchildren Tina (T.J) Sheldon, Jamie (Carrie) Graves, Joelle Craig, Jeremy (Julie) Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Carissa (Travis) Sorenson, Tiffany (Beau) Albertson , Lori Semmen, Schan Altringer; great-grandchildren: Trever, Kate, Caleb, Haley, Zachary, Piper, Benit, and Aurora; step-great-grandchildren, Casey, Cody, Taylor and Devin, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Merna was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, grandson, Cole Altringer and an infant sister, Mamie. Visitation: Friday, January 9, 2009 from 1-7 at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot Funeral Service: Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot at 10:30 a.m. Burial: Rosehill Memorial park, Minot Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Minot To sign the online guest register
for Merna |
Merna
J. Semmen, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grand-mother,
age 91, went to her eternal rest on January 6, 2009 after a long
and wonderful life.