Catherine Merck Duchscherer, 95, Minot and formerly of Rugby and Karlsruhe, died Wednesday, March 21, 2012, in a Fargo care center.

Catherine was born May 25, 1916 near Karlsruhe, ND to Felix and Magdeline (Meyer) Merck. She was the second of ten children. She attended country school near Karlsruhe and throughout her childhood assisted with the operation of the family farm. After completing her education she was employed in the Rugby area for 10 years.

Catherine married Roy Duchscherer on May 8, 1944 in Rugby, ND. They lived in Rugby until 1950 when they moved to Helena, MT where they raised their three daughters. Catherine was employed as a waitress for a time until she began nursing at the two Helena hospitals. She especially enjoyed nursing because she loved caring for the sick.

Following the death of her husband in 1973, Catherine moved to Minot in 1974 to be near her family. She was employed at the Americana Nursing Home and at Gordon's Holiday Spot until her retirement. She remained in Minot until her health began to fail and moved to the Rehab and Care Center in October of 2011.

Catherine was a faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Minot where she was an active participant in a Bible study. Catherine enjoyed sewing, making handmade floral arrangements, crafts, dancing, accordion music, playing cards and games, reminiscing about old times over coffee and getting lost in a good book.

Her loving family includes her daughters, Marie Frye of Minot, Elizabeth Norris of Huntsville AL and Lenora Kraft of Fargo; 10 grandchildren,; 21 great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; siblings: Betty (Vince) Schaan of Langdon, Joe (Bev) of Bagley, MN, Bill (Mary Jo) and Leo (Carolyn) and Regina Kohoutek all of Minot; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roy, infant granddaughter, Elizabeth, sisters: Johanna Sattler and Mary Jose and brothers: John and Alex Merck.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, March 26, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Interment: Forest Vale Cemetery, Helena, MT
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.