Ardyth Merck

Ardyth Merck ----85, Karlsruhe, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in Rugby hospital, with her loving family at her side and virtually.
Ardyth N. Heinze was born October 2, 1937 in Minot, ND, daughter of Alfred and Johanna (Petschke) Heinze. She was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Minot High School in 1955.
On her birthday in 1957, Ardyth was united in marriage to Anton "Tony" Merck at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. Following their marriage, they made their home on the Merck Farm, where they raised their seven children, two girls and five boys. Ardyth and Tony raised range and dairy cattle as well as small grains for the first thirty years with the help of all their children. Those years were never easy, Ardyth worked very hard raising and harvesting vegetables in the garden. She prepared breakfast, lunches (often delivering to the field), dinner, and supper for nine without a day off. Laundry was a never-ending and thankless job that she did tirelessly and without complaint. She was constantly caring for and cleaning up after seven farm children, just imagine the dirt, grime, cuts, and bruises. Harder even to imagine is the amount of work and effort that went into preparation, execution, and cleanup for the many Merck Family Reunions that took place on the farm. The yard looked like a used car lot with all the vehicles, these were great times and fun for us as kids hanging with all of our relatives, but in reflection now as adults we look back and only wonder how she was able to accomplish all that and maintaining that bright loving smile that could light up the room. She and Tony entertained a lot in the younger years, many nights were spent playing whist with her parents, relatives, and friends. When most of the kids had graduated and moved on Ardyth and Tony along with three of their sons continued to raise small grains and range cattle up until Tony's death on August 15, 2013. Following Anton's passing Ardyth continued to live on the farm, with two sons and together they built a new house and shop, which was large enough for her to take her daily walks.
Ardyth was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where she was active within the ladies' circle. She enjoyed gardening, canning, flowers, and most of all puzzles. She had a love for animals, always having some sort of pet, including a dog, beta fish, and parakeet. She enjoyed when the family could get together, but the 4th of July was her favorite as she absolutely loved firecrackers and fireworks shows. Ardyth was a loving wife for 56 years, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Those Who Shared In Her Life:
Sons: Jack (Fontip) Merck, Randy Merck, Barry Merck, Marty (Tara) Merck, Micky (Lisa) Merck; Daughters: Brenda Merck, and Wendy (Todd) Frelich;
ten grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren;
Ardyth was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 56 years, Tony, brother Donald Heinze and his wife Laurie,
And numerous in-laws.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.
Funeral Service: Friday, January 20, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe, ND. The Funeral Mass will be video-taped and uploaded to Ardyth's web page at www.thompsonlarson.com
Burial: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Karlsruhe, ND
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Ardyth's memory to an organization of donor's choice.