Arnold E."Arnie" Merkel , 80, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, died March 3, 2014 in a Bismarck Nursing Care Center.

Arnold was born October 4, 1933 in Arena, ND the son of John and Erna (Weisenberger) Merkel. He was raised in Arena and educated at Wing Schools, graduating from Wing High School in 1952. Arnie entered into active duty service with the US Air Force in 1953 and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and returned to North Dakota.

Arnie was united in marriage to Beverly Brych on April 15, 1956 in Bismarck. They made their home in Bismarck where he was employed with Meyer Broadcasting, before moving to Minot in 1957. He continued working for Meyer Broadcasting doing various jobs including working on microwave towers and selling advertising for the company.

Arnie received his real estate license during the 1970's and began his career at Investor's Management & Marketing (IMM). He started Real Estate 100 (which became Century 21).
Arnie worked in Residential and Commercial sales and later in Residential appraisals. He also owned and operated several businesses in the Minot area including; Arnie's Rite Way Cleaning, Twist In, Maid for a Day and Personnel Services. Beverly died June 11, 1978. Arnie moved to Bismarck in April 2012.

Arnie was a former member of Augustana Lutheran Minot, along with the Minot Elks, Eagles and Moose Lodge. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, active in local bowling leagues and enjoyed spending time at Lake Sakakawea with his family.

Arnie's loving family includes , sons, Brian (Stacy) Merkel, Minot, Brad (Heidi) Merkel, Barry (Lilly) Merkel, both of Sioux Falls, SD; 7 grandchildren: Dawn (Ben) Bodtke, Tanner Merkel, Tyler Merkel, Kendra Merkel, Ashley Merkel, Noah Merkel and Landon Merkel; 2 great-grandchildren, Harleigh Port and Kaydence Bodtke.; sisters, Ilene Trusty, Bismarck, Marlene Eckholm, Bismarck, Arvada Johnson, Bismarck, Geraldine (Bud) Germundson, Minot; sisters in law, Darlene Merkel, Devils Lake, ND, Debby Brych, Bismarck and Susie Brych, Bismarck; and several nieces and nephews.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Beverly, son, Brett, infant son, Michael and brother, Leroy.

Funeral service: Friday, March 7, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. in First Assembly of God Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Special Olympics