Merlin L. Trapp, 77, Marion, ND passed away at Mercy Hospital in Valley City, ND, December 18, 2018.  The funeral service for Merlin will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City.  Visitation will be at the church on Friday, December 21 from 5-7 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7.

Merlin Lyle Trapp was born November 2, 1941 in Marion, North Dakota to Lyle and Vivian (Hill) Trapp.  He attended school in Marion, North Dakota. He graduated from Marion High School in 1959. Merlin went to college in Wahpeton, North Dakota for one year.

He married Doris Ann Wright on August 4, 1961.  They made their home in Oakes, ND. They had two daughters while living in Oakes.   Merlin worked at a Western Cheese for 5 years. They then moved to the Trapp farmstead in 1966, farmed with his father and milked cows.  Merlin and Doris had 1 more daughter and 2 sons. Doris passed in July of 2000.

Merlin met Connie Knecht in 2002 and they married February 14, 2008.  They made their home in Marion and Texas. Merlin never quit farming ever.  

Merlin enjoyed riding his Goldwing, snowmobiling, watching sports, going to the Marion Café for coffee, attending car races, watching his son’s play basketball, attending his grandchildren’s events and eating peanut butter and fried chicken.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, five children, Kandra Dillerud, Amy (Elden) Paczkowski, Tonya (Pat) Shockman, Tori (Jennifer) Trapp, Heath (Trisha) Trapp, two step children, Stephanie (Robb) Lee, Ryan (Ami) Knecht, 15 grandchildren, 2 brothers, Ron (Joan) Trapp, Harvey (Fran) Trapp, and 1 sister, Vione (Keith) McCleary.  

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris, and his parents.  

Lerud-Mathias Funeral Home of Valley City is assisting Merlin’s family with arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com