Merrill William Schalow, 87, Fargo, formerly of Minot and Velva, and longtime Minot Daily News Sports Writer, died Thursday, April 21, 2011, in his home.

Merrill was born September 8, 1923, in Minot, ND, to William and Irene (Machtell) Schalow. He was raised and educated in Velva, ND, where he graduated from high school in 1940. He continued his education at Minot State Teachers College from 1940-1943 when he entered the US Army as a member of the MSTC enlisted reserve unit.

Following basic training as a medical corpsman at Camp Grant, IL he qualified for the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) that allowed him to complete engineering courses at Michigan State University until that program was discontinued. He transferred to the Signal Corps at Camp Crowder, MO. Merrill's journey into the Pacific War Zone began in January of 1945 and it included stops in Hawaii, Guadalcanal and Okinawa before concluding with an assignment as a member of an occupational force in South Korea. Following his honorable discharge in March of 1946, he returned home to Velva, ND.

Merrill continued his education at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He began his career in journalism at the Velva Journal. He was employed at the Velva Post Office from 1951 until 1957, and continued on a part-time basis at the newspaper. He was the Manager of many amateur baseball and basketball teams in Velva.

Merrill married Arlene Mikkelson of Velva on October 18, 1955 in Velva. They made their home in Velva until they moved to Minot when Merrill accepted a position with the editorial staff of the Minot Daily News in January of 1958. Merrill specialized in sports writing which included a weekly sports column titled "The Sporting Life" as well as a bowling column. He was senior sports editor prior to his retirement in May of 1985. In addition, he authored two books: "Magic City Sports Quiz" and "North Dakota High School Boys Basketball History." Merrill and Arlene moved to Fargo in 2006 to be closer to family.

Merrill's accolades as a professional include being honored as Sportswriter of the Year in 1963, 1966, 1968 and 1972. Also, he was a member of the Halls of Fame of the Minot Men's Bowling Association, North Dakota Men's Bowling Association, Minot State University Athletics, Minot High School Athletics, Minot Baseball and North Dakota Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Merrill enjoyed watching sports on TV and especially attending his grandchildren\'s various activities.

His loving family includes his wife of 55 years, Arlene, Fargo, ND; sons, Ron Schalow and Bill (Carole) Schalow both of Fargo, ND; daughter, Susan (Art) Gorr, Buffalo,MN; grandchildren, Erika (John) Rodenbiker, Fargo, Katie, Matt, Emma and Natalie Schalow, all of Fargo, ND, and Georgia Gorr of Buffalo, MN; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jack Rodenbiker, Fargo, ND; brother-in-law, Richard (Kay) Mikkelson, Mandan, ND; sister-in-law, Carol (Mikkelson) Croft, Portland, OR and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Merrill was preceded in death by his parents and sister; Mae Loureiro, brother in law; Bernie Loureiro; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Velma (Vannett) and Arthur Mikkelson; step mother-in-law: Wanda Mikkelson; sister-in-law: Dorothy DeHart and brothers-in-law: Donald and Keith Mikkelson.

Funeral Service : Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment will be in the Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot.
Visitation : Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. M emorials In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in Merrill's name to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo.