Merel Perekrestenko, 70, Minot and formerly of Butte died on May 19, 2020 at a Minot hospital.

Merel Richard Perekrestenko was born on December 5, 1949 in Minot, ND to George and Alvina (Pojorlie) Perekrestenko.  He was raised on a farm near Butte, ND prior to moving with his family to Minot where he attended school.  He graduated from Minot High School where one of his favorite classes was Shop, which dominated his life for many years far into the future.  He continued his education at an aviation industry school in Tulsa, OK where he received specialized training in electric mechanics.

As a young adult he resided in Los Angeles and was employed by American Airlines and Quantas Airlines.  In addition to his work, he began building race cars, funny cars and dragsters.  Later, he became interested in boat racing.  During the mid 1980's Merel resided in South Carolina, but his involvement in racing took him to all corners of the world including Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he worked for the Royal Family in racing boat construction and operation.

Merel returned to Minot in 2003 where he established Thermo Tek, dealing with transporting and skirting mobile homes.  He was well liked by his associates and friends for his casual and good natured personality.  Merel and his brother Duane shared a passion for cars and his oldest brother LeRoy was always his big protector.

Merel is survived by his brother: Duane (Christine) Perekrestenko and nephews and niece:  Mike (Vivian) Shawn (Edith) and Tanja (Andreas) and many cousins who live in western North Dakota.

Merel was preceded in death by his parents:  George and Alvina and brother: LeRoy.

Graveside Service:  July 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in Section 30 in the NE Corner of Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.

A live stream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas .