Merle Boucher, age 79, of Rolette, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Sanford Health, Bismarck, ND surrounded by his loving family.

Merle Dwane Boucher was born on July 19, 1946, in Rolette, ND to Alfred and Doris (Goodsell) Boucher.  He was raised in Rolette, attending country school until the 8th grade, and graduating from Rolette High School.  Merle attended forestry college for two years in Bottineau and then graduated from Mayville State College in 1970, obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree.  Merle was united in marriage to Susan Lystad on June 29, 1985, at First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. He was the proud father of four children, Todd, Angelynn, Emiline, Andre', and bonus son, Derik, as well as a wonderful grandfather to twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Merle was a rancher for many years, loving his community and giving many years to improving not only his hometown but his entire state. He spent many years ranching on his family's original homestead, a place he loved and was incredibly proud to call home.  He took great pride in his cattle herd and in carrying on the family tradition established by generations before him. He taught at Rolette High School for 20 years until 1991 when he changed directions to dedicate his time to public service through the House of Representatives District #9 and legislature until 2011. He was house minority leader for 14 years of his service to our state.  He dedicated his time to focusing on education, Indigenous people, and children's caucuses. Merle was a gifted speaker, his voice reaching many beyond his community and state. Merle served his community in many ways including as a Rolette County Commissioner for 10 years, a project manager for the wind farms, Rolette County Care Center board member and president, a charter member and board member of PATH, therapeutic homes for children focusing on mental health, North Central planning committee, and Jaycee's in Rolette focusing on local job growth.  He was awarded the Mayville State College alumni award in 2013 and helped start a local business "Creations" with Betty Grenier.

Merle loved his small-town community.  He was proud to coach Legion Baseball for five summers, reaching the state tournament with his talented players.  He was often heard announcing plays at local football games, an avid sports fan, as well as, a Minnesota Twins fan.  Merle was a family man, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought him so much love and pride.  He will forever be remembered for his dedication to us all to better our lives and the communities we live in.  Merle will be greatly missed.

Merle is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Boucher of Rolette; children, Todd (Paula) Boucher of Hawley, MN, Angelynn (Chris) Marinich of Peoria, IL, Emiline (Chris) Fettig of Tappen, Andre' (Deidra) Boucher of Bismarck, and bonus son, Derik Boucher of Belle Plaine, MN; 12 grandchildren, Samantha, Tiffany, Brandi, Cody, Katelyn, Matthew, Jack, Lauren, Jordyn, Jase, Jaxtyn, and Esme'; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Vicki Lindseth of Munich; brother-in-law, Doug Klebe of Oregon; and his beloved dog, Rosie.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Doris Boucher, sister, Dannett Klebe, and father and mother-in-law, Willie and Joyce Lystad.

Casket Bearers are Daniel Boucher, Tucker Boucher, Jake Boucher, Derik Boucher, Damian Dionne, and Chris Fettig. Honorary Bearers are all friends and neighbors including Jay and Carrie Heinz, Robert and Connie Lemieux and Family and Vicki Lemieux. Music by Dave Schnackenberg, pianist and soloists, Nancy and Paul Olson and Connie Blada. Reader is granddaughter, Jordyn Miller. Eucharistic Gifts by Jim Mongeon and Doug Lemieux.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Rolette Public School Gymnasium, Rolette, ND with visitation 2 hours prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will follow at Rolette City Cemetery, Rolette, ND. Father Petro Ndunguru and Father Kevin Boucher presiding.  A meal will be held at Rolette High School, Rolette, ND, all are encouraged to attend in honor of Merle.

~ A remembrance potluck for Merle will be held at the city park in Rolette, ND starting at 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 18, 2026.  All are welcome to attend in Merle's honor.~

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.