Merle L. Rainsberry, age 53, resident of rural Lakota, ND, died Monday, January 12, 2009 at his home.

Merle Lynn Rainsberry was born January 6, 1956 at Devils Lake, ND, the son of O'Neil and Helen (Patron) Rainsberry. He was raised on the family farm near Lakota and was a 1974 graduate of Lakota High School. He then attended NDSSS at Wahpeton. Merle lived in Fargo and Grand Forks before he retired from the railroad. Merle married Vicki Schall in 1981. He returned home to farm in 1981. Merle loved to hunt, fish, farm, ride snowmobile and camping. He was Vice-President of the Nelson County Snowdusters. Merle married Laurie L. Johnson on September 20, 2008. Merle was proud to have won the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce fishing tournament in 2004 with his son Kris, as they have fished together for many years.

Merle will be deeply missed by his wife, Laurie Rainsberry of Lakota; his children, Erin (Josh) Schroeder of Barnesville, MN, Kris (Ashley) Rainsberry, Dustin Jorde, and Katie Rose Rainsberry, all of Lakota; 3 grandchildren, Sarah & Grace Schroeder and Brody "Fred" Rainsberry; his parents, O'Neil and Helen Rainsberry of Lakota; his brother, Tom Rainsberry (friend Penny) of Brocket, ND; his sister, Janeene (Richard) Monley of East Grand Forks, MN; 3 nieces, Danielle Rainsberry, Emilie Rainsberry, and Lynn Monley; and 1 nephew, Mike Monley.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his brother, Kim; 2 aunts, Dorothy Swingdoff and Paige Duklet; and 3 uncles, Ronald Patron, Stanley Patron, and Dennis Rainsberry.

Merle's Funeral Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Joel Westby. The organist will be Karen Fowler and special music will be provided by Lonnie Gestson. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Mark Slotto, Clay Smaaladen, Ray Miller, Elroy Johnson, Josh Schroeder, Evan Burt, and Ryan Schall. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, January 16, 2009 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with at Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.