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Merle Kalenze Stevick • 1941- 2009 Merle Arlene Birdsall was born to Herb and Mildred (Wixer) Birdsall on March 2, 1941. On September 29, 1957 she married LeRoy Kalenze, Jr. They made their living as ranchers in the Berthold area. From this union five children were born. Merle and LeRoy were married for 32 years until his passing on January 10, 1990. Merle was an avid promoter of team roping and rodeos within the states of North Dakota and Montana. She was an avid sports-woman. In 1977 she won the Minot to Regina 250 Snowmobile Race/Women’s Division having the fastest time overall in both men’s and women’s division. On December 12, 1992 she married Douglas Stevick. Doug and Merle enjoyed traveling throughout the country winning many cook-offs and taking in a trail ride along the way. They also enjoyed spending time with their numerous grandchildren. Merle was involved in many activities which included the Berthold Progressive Homemakers; St. Ann’s Ladies Auxiliary; North Dakota Rodeo Association, Roughrider Rodeo Association; Merle is survived by her husband, Douglas, children: Barbra (Tom) Kraft, Berthold, ND; Michelle (Mike) Bradley, Billings, MT; Kenneth Kalenze, Raub, ND, Drew (Katie) Kalenze, Fort Yates, ND; Linus (Renee) Kalenze, Berthold, ND; Deborah (Victor) Lazzaretti, Chesterfield, MO; Terri (Todd) Vigstol, Burlington, ND; LeNaye (Joshua) Nett, Foxholm, ND; Grandchildren: Juliana (Lance) Kalenze-Brossart, Tisa (Wes) Miller, T.J. Kraft, Danielle (Travis) Greeno, Casey (Carrie) Kalenze, Greg Kalenze, Jessi (Jarrod) Rademacher, Amanda Westmeyer, Matt Westmeyer, Fiona Lazzaretti, Elizah Lazzaretti, Victor Lazzaretti, Dustin Vigstol, Mckenzie Vigstol, Tanner Nett, Makenna Nett, Stevie Nett, Kali Nett; Great-Grandchildren: Karsen Kalenze, Braden Greeno, Kiera Kalenze, Blu Miller, Kellen Greeno, and Kenadi Brossart. Sister: Geraldine (Darrel) Meyer, Berthold, ND, numerous nieces and nephews, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws and her faithful companion, Rex. She was preceded in death by her first husband, LeRoy, her parents, sister, Eleanor Trondson. Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:30 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Berthold. Father Michael Millard - Celebrant of the Liturgies Monsignor Joseph Senger - Concelebrant Terri Vigstol and Tom Kraft - Readers Merle’s Granddaughters - Gift Bearers Dean Meyer - Eulogist Music Processional Hymn: “Old Rugged Cross” Offertory Hymn: “Wings of A Dove” Communion: “Silent Night” Commendation: “Song of Farewell” Recessional Hymn: “On Eagle’s Wings” Dennis Hanna, Vocalist/Song Leader Gayle Hanna, Organist Honorary Urn Bearers Jarrod Rademacher, Lance Brossart, Wes Miller, Travis Greeno Victor Lazzaretti, Dustin Vigstol, Tanner Nett Urn Bearers: Casey Kalenze, T.J. Kraft, Greg Kalenze, Matt Westmeyer Following the Memorial Mass service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the fellowship hall. 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 Merle.
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Merle Kalenze Stevick, 68, Berthold, ND, passed away Monday, October 12, 2009, in a Minot hospital.