Merle J. Holte, 82, longtime Voltaire, Bergan and Velva resident, died Thursday, September 19, 2019 in the Souris Valley Care Center of Velva.

Merle was born May 28, 1937 in Voltaire, ND to Arthur and Bernice (Chilson) Holte. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Bergen High School in 1955.

Merle was united in marriage to Donna Helstedt in Velva, ND on June 14, 1956. They made their home in Velva. Merle spent his early working years at Central Power Electric Cooperative of Minot and was part of the new construction of the Minot Air Force Base. Merle took his talents back home when he began working for Verendrye Electric in Velva. He spent the next thirty-five years of his life working as a lineman and retired as operations supervisor in 1995.

Merle was a member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church, where he served as a council member and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a Past President of the Velva Lions and proud supporter of local athletics of area teams that included his children and grandchildren throughout the years.

Merle was an avid collector of toy tractors of all scales.  He restored many pedal tractors from junk to pristine condition. Woodworking was a passion he shared with the building of many beautiful pieces of furniture, toys and decorative items that were shared with family, friends and were sold at craft shows. Summer vacations were usually spent camping with his children during their youth. Donna and Merle enjoyed many bus tours during their retirement years and shared a memorable trip to Norway to discover the roots of his grandfather. He took great pride in his yard and garden working diligently until his handicap limited him.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Merle's loving family includes: his loving wife of 63 years, Donna, Velva, ND; children Randy (Nancy) Holte, Eden Prairie, MN, Ron (Tami) Holte, Minot, Renae (Rick) Gefroh, Fargo, ND, Rhonda (Lance) Olson, Bismarck, ND and Rita (Tim) Axtman, Minot, ND; grandchildren Gillian and Nicholas Holte, Taylor (Hannah), Brittany and Tanner Holte, Kasey (Taylor) Grunefelder and Tyler Gefroh, Kyler (Kaylee) and Jaren Olson and Alex Holte and Alex and Brady Axtman; great-grandchildren Brooks, Beau, Ace and Isla Grunefelder; brothers Roger (Laurina) Holte, Duane Holte, and Robert (Zona) Holte,  along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Bernice Holte, brother Dale, sister Norma Schmaltz and Mother and Father-in-law, Inez and Walter Helstedt.

Celebration of Merle's Life: 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.
Visitation: Sunday, September 22, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: are preferred to the Oak Valley Lutheran Church Handicap Door Project.

Merle Holte Flowers