Merle Carter, 87, of St. Cloud, MN formerly of East Grand Forks, MN died Monday, August 19, 2024 of a massive stroke surrounded by his family at the Quiet Oaks Hospice Center, St. Augusta, MN.
Lawrence Merle Carter was born September 28, 1936 in Grafton, ND the son of Harvey and Ivydell (Defoe) Carter. Merle grew up in East Grand Forks and attended Sacred Heart High School, graduating in 1954. Following high school, he joined the US Navy serving from 1955-59 as a store clerk, with duty on the USS Jarvis from 1957-59. Upon returning home, Merle married Martha Gust on October 15, 1960 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Tabor, MN. Together they made their home in East Grand Forks where they were active members of Sacred Heart Parish, where all six of their children graduated from high school. For 43 years, they loved family vacations at Lake of the Woods. They also owned and operated a cleaning business for over 38 years.
Merle worked most of his career for the US Postal Service starting as a mail carrier and ending as the Thompson, ND Postmaster in 1991. He loved hunting, fishing and woodworking (making antler plaques after every fall season). Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends, most recently at Benedict Village in St. Cloud where he resided. Nothing gave Merle more joy than attending his grandchildren’s activities, especially sports where he was their biggest fan.
He is survived by his children, Marie (Dale) Carter Brooks, of Duluth, MN, Marti (Curt) Zander, of Cottage Grove, MN, Mary Gerszewski of East Grand Forks, MN, Marc Carter of Duluth, MN, Merlin Carter of Fargo, ND, and Marla (Kerby) Plante of St. Cloud, MN; 13 grandchildren Cole and Ivie Brooks, Michael, Morgan, and Matthew Zander, Felicia Gerszewski, Tonya (Colin) Miller, Riley and Gabriella Carter, Casi Zimny, Zachary, Jacob and Nicholas Plante; sister-in-law Carmella Carter, nephews Brian Carter, Brian Carter, Jr. and niece Karen Carter of Burlington, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Martha, infant son Michael, brother Lavern Carter and great-granddaughter Dakota Schrunk.
We would like to thank CentraCare Hospital and Hospice team along with Quiet Oaks Hospice House staff for the wonderful care of our dad.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11:00 AM, Monday, August 26, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Mass will be live-streamed on Merle’s page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com
VISITATION: One hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church.
INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN immediately following the funeral with Military Honors provided by the US Navy, EGF American Legion Post #157 and VFW Post 3817.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Sacred Heart Schools: Merle and Martha Carter Education Scholarship.
Arrangements entrusted with Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, MN