Beatrice Merck

Minot

Beatrice B. Merck, 91, Minot ND, passed away Saturday, April 27th, 2024, in a Velva assisted living center with family by her side.

Beatrice Barbara Klein was born in Surrey, North Dakota on January 19th, 1933 a daughter of Frank and Lena (Schmidt) Klein. She was raised on the family farm east of Surrey, where she attended school and graduated from Surrey High School.

Following her graduation, Beatrice moved to Minot, where she worked at Westland Oil Company. It was there that she met the love of her life, Frank Merck. Frank and Beatrice were married October 19th, 1954, at Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot. Frank and Beatrice had 4 children: Shirley, Sharon, Jeff, and Mark. During her working years Beatrice did bookkeeping for Minot Agsco and Waste Management of Minot. Frank died November 6, 2007, following his death she continued to live in Minot.

Beatrice truly loved her family and her faith. She was a devoted charter member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot where she spent many hours serving for the Alter Society. She was a frequent contributor to church dinners. Her church community was a shining light in Beatrice’s life.

Beatrice adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visits from them brought an instant smile to her face. A holiday wasn’t a holiday without Grandma Bea’s homemade buns. Baking was her biggest hobby and she became an expert at making Kuchen and a variety of other special dishes thanks to her German upbringing.

During her life she enjoyed an afternoon bowling league and dancing on Saturday nights at the Knight of Columbus and spending time there with friends. Beatrice also supported her family in sporting activities. Frank played baseball and softball so often on weekends she was supporting his hobby.

Beatrice is survived by:

Children: Shirley (Chet) Houmann, Westhope ND, Sharon (Ritch) Cargo, Towner ND, Jeff Cheryl) Merck, Minot, ND and Mark (Linda) Merck, Fargo, ND; Five grandchildren: Christy Lee (Anthony), Amanda (Wyatt) Boschee, Preston (Jaci) Cargo, Jacob Merck, Justin Merck; Four step-grandchildren: Trent (Gina) Houmann, Tanner (Tricia) Houmann, Seth (Laci) Cargo, and Heather (Brett) Lee; seven great-grandchildren: eight step-great-grandchildren; Sister: Catherine Hegre; Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, brothers Leo, Eddie and William, sister, Marilyn Mikel, grandson Benjamin Merck, great-grandchild Paxton Lee and brother-in-law, Myron Hegre.

Visitation: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 4 until 6 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 30, 2024.