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Jansen, age 84, of Valley City, ND, died Tuesday, October 20th at his residence.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 24th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City with Reverend Jolene Knudson-Hanse officiating.  Visitation will be held two hours before the service at the church on Saturday morning.  Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Merle Allen Jansen, the son of Hubert and Blanche (Chalberg) Jansen, was born March 25, 1931 in Valley City, ND.  Merle grew up and attended school in Valley City and attended college at Valley City State Teachers College.  On January 10, 1951 Merle joined the US Air Force and served his country during the Korean War.  On June 8, 1952 he married LaVancha Maasjo at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Fingal, ND.  On December 10, 1953 Merle was discharged from active duty and returned to the Valley City area.  Merle began working for O.H. Blumer Construction where Merle was a welder for the company until his retirement in 1996.  Merle and LaVancha purchased land south of Valley City on the Kathryn Road and they and their son Jay moved “Out of Town” in November, 1972.  They had the first Dynamic Home south of town and it was shown as a model home for many years by David Nelson.  Merle farmed his land south of Valley City for many years.  Merle was known to enjoy a good cup of coffee, gardening, Bingo, slot machines and visiting at Hilltop Café.  Merle was an active member of the Valley City Eagles Club and VFW Post #2764.

Merle is survived by his wife of 63 years, LaVancha, Valley City, ND; one son, Jay (Jeff Ware) Jansen, Fargo, ND; his brother, Willard “Will” Jansen, Tuscon, AZ; his sister, Bernice Russ, Rocky, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Funeral arrangements by the Lerud Schuldt Funeral Home of Valley City, ND.  Online guestbook available at www.lerudschuldt.com.