Deloris Merbach
Deloris June Seidler Pahl Merbach died peacefully in her sleep at Jacobson Memorial Care Center in Elgin, ND on December 30, 2021.
She is survived by her seven children: Linda (Paul), Deland (Gloria), Janet, Margo (Glen), Jeri (Matt), Christi (Dale) and Scott; grandchildren: Stacy, Erik (Karina), Michael, Cory (Krysta), Jared (Charlene), Anne (George), Carman (Brad), Jasmin (Jared), Roland, Reece and Tucker; great grandchildren: Cody, Justin, Bailey, Beryl, Noah, Shaylynn, Bella, Marren, Zoeigh, Decker, Maci, Archer, Cassidee, Braya and Asher; brother, Delmar (Florence), sisters-in-law, Ida (Pahl) Deeg, and Marilyn Merbach, brother-in-law, Lawrence (Renelle) Merbach, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, infant daughter, Marsha and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and sisters and brothers-in-law.
Deloris was born on September 16, 1929, to John and Hilda (Golke) Seidler on the family farm outside of New Leipzig, ND. She attended country school, in part to learn the English language because only German was spoken in her home (later using German in conversation to keep secrets from us kids). She went to Cosmotology School in Bismarck, ND. She married Roland Pahl on June 9, 1948. They lived in New Leipzig, ND. During that time they raised five children: Linda, Deland, Janet, Margo and Jeri. Roland died on June 25, 1966. Kenneth Merbach (single, eligible, bachelor high school teacher, without cooking skills) met Deloris through her children and her job at the local New Leipzig cafe. They were married May 29, 1968. They were blessed with Christi and Scott. Ken passed away on April 25, 2007. Mom was fortunate to have had not just one wonderful husband, but two! Deloris lived in several homes in New Leipzig raising her family with Roland. She and Ken moved to Ray, ND. Ken taught school and together continued to raise their family. They were drawn back to New Leipzig where she and Ken built a new home and opened the KD Locker Plant. After selling her home, Deloris moved to Mott. Two years later, she moved back to New Leipzig to be closer to family and friends, She also lived at Dakota Hill Assisted Living (living in the room across the hall where some of her children were born) in Elgin, ND and finally to Jacobson Memorial Hospital and Care Center.
Deloris was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She loved her children, encouraged and cultivated their interests and talents and celebrated their accomplishments. She was a devoted grandmother and great grandmother. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than time spent with her family. Deloris was passionate about her Christian faith. She shared her culinary skills by teaching her children and grandchildren the art of making strudels and other German dishes, cookies, and kuchen. She expressed her creative side by teaching ceramics to family and others in her basement studio. Her talent is on display every Christmas with the nativity scene at the front of her church.
Deloris will be remembered for her engaging personality, wonderful sense of humor, cheerful spirit and remarkable strength. Family members often heard what a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and grandmother they had - reaffirming that her presence in their lives was a lifelong gift to them. Deloris will be greatly missed and always remembered with love.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent care provided to Deloris by the staff at both Dakota Hill Assisted Living and Jacobson Memorial Hospital and Care Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Deloris’s memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Ambulance Service or Fire Department in New Leipzig, ND.
The Funeral Service for Deloris was held at 11:00 a.m. MT, Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig. Pastor John Amundson officiated with burial in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery at New Leipzig.
The Funeral Service was livestreamed on the website www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com and going to Deloris’s obituary and clicking on “View Funeral Service Here”.
The family requests that all those attending wear masks.