It is with great sadness that the family of Merlin Ruppelius announces his passing on Friday, 29 November 2019, at the age of 98 years at St. Andrew's Hospital, Bottineau, ND.

Merlin will be lovingly remembered by his wife Helen of 73 years; his children, Barbara Ruppelius of Bozeman, MT, Gwen (Todd) Campbell of Snoqalmie, WA, Berna (Gail) Van Buren of Ft. Collins, CO, Shelia (Alan) Denny of Grand Forks, Breck (Karin) Ruppelius of Montgomery, TX, and Brad Ruppelius of Rolla, numerous grand and great grandchildren; his surviving sister, (Marlene) Jolliffe of Bottineau; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

In his 98 years, Merlin has seen many changes in both the local community and the world. He was born in Page, North Dakota on March 12, 1921 to Frederick and Grace (Johnston) Ruppelius and relocated to the Ruppelius farmstead just east of Rolla, where he grew up. As a young adult, in trying worldly times, he was called and served his country in WWII in the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion engaged in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and Germany earning him and was awarded the Purple Heart. Upon his return from duty to the United States, he returned to the Rolla area and was married to Helen (Bush) on November 28, 1946 in Rolla and they began their life together. Merlin worked as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry in Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming prior to procuring (1958) and settling on, clearing and building the Ruppelius Ranch in the Turtle Mountains with Helen and raising their 6 children. Merlin lived a full life and a life for which his family honors and will forever regard him with the highest admiration.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, great grandson, Christopher Hageman, sisters, Ardith and Emily, and brothers, William and Robert.

Family, Relatives and Friends are cordially invited to attend the Memorial Service in memory of Merlin on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 3:00 PM in the United Methodist Church, Rolla, ND with Pastor Rick Craig officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ryan Mickelson, Christopher Mickelson, Jason Johnston, Ty Robinson, Chase Ruppelius and Weston Schoening along with all family and friends.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.