To view a streaming of Carolyn's service go to: https://vimeo.com/452762297/d943db8ae1

Carolyn R. Merck, 84, Minot, died Thursday, August 20, 2020 in a Minot hospital.

Carolyn Roselyn (Mattern) Merck was the oldest of three children born to Casper and Alice (Johnson) Mattern. She had a brother, Ardean and a sister, Corrinne (Mattern) Kjelstrom.

Carolyn met her husband, Leo, at a dance in Granville, ND. She said she fell in love with the beautiful smile that never seemed to leave his face. Leo and Carolyn were married on April 18, 1955, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Granville. They had seven children (five girls and two boys). Carolyn had a great work ethic. Growing up she helped her Dad on the family farm. She said that when she was first married, she knew how to change oil in the tractor, but she didn't know how to bake cookies. She had various jobs throughout her life, but her family was always her first priority. Camping was Carolyn and Leo's favorite pastime. They loved going to area lakes and they covered many miles and several states in their camper/RV to spend time with their children and grandchildren. They also explored many of our nation's beautiful parks. One of Carolyn's favorites was Glacier National Park. Carolyn was a wonderful homemaker. She loved to update and decorate her home to the latest styles and trends. She enjoyed working outside and had a gift for creating beautifully landscaped yards. She taught herself how to sew and made most of her children's clothes when they were young. Carolyn dabbled in ceramics where she made some really beautiful decorations for her home and for the holidays.

Carolyn was very strong in her faith and instilled those values in her family. Her children said she taught them to be kind, gracious, and forgiving. Carolyn and Leo's love for each other showed their children what love is, does, and what it can always do for them. She taught them to be strong in adversity, to think independently, and to have faith in themselves, their family, and in God.  After Leo died in 2014, Carolyn volunteered at the assisted living centers in Minot where she was reacquainted with many of her old friends, and made several new friends. Her volunteer work eventually led her to move to Somerset Court.

Those most honored to share in her life; children: Colleen (Richard) Kitzman, Vickie (Ronald) Brabandt, Doreen (Terry) Wald, Daniel (Katina) Merck, Theresa Merck, Lisa (Lynn) Krueger, and Leo "Lee" (Su) Merck; grandchildren: Christopher (Culley), Travis, Lance (Angela), Jordan, Heidi (Chad), Matthew (Amanda), Terry (TJ) (Erica), Keaton (Emma), Mason (Sarah), Logan, Carson, Avery, Derek (Vicki), Amy Jo (Trevor); great grandchildren: Easton and Ellie, Meadow and Boston, Carter, Ally and Ada, Grayden, Griffin, Gavin and Virginia, Konnor, Fulton, Blake, Morgan, Paige and Brent, and great grandchild number 18 arriving in February; sister, Corrinne (Kerwin) Kjelstrom, brother-in-law William (Mary Jo) Merck; sister-in-law, Beverly Merck; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Leo, parents, Casper and Alice Mattern, and her brother, Ardean.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, Minot. To view a streaming of Carolyn's Service go to: https://vimeo.com/452762297/d943db8ae1
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, August 27 ^th from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: preferred to the St. Vincent de Paul Fund of the Church – PO Box 3591, Minot, ND 58702.

Carolyn Merck Flowers