Merlin E. Fornes

Merlin E. Fornes, 83, Kathryn, North Dakota passed away Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Maryhill Manor, Enderlin, North Dakota surrounded by his family under the care of CHI Health at Home and Hospice. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm, Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Lisbon United Methodist Church, Lisbon, North Dakota. The funeral service will be 10:30 am Friday, April 8 at the church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Merlin Eugene Fornes was born January 2, 1939 to Lloyd and Madge (Brooks) Fornes in Preston Township, North Dakota on the family farm. He attended country school #4 in Preston Township until 3rd grade. Merlin then joined his older brother in attending Enderlin School graduating from Enderlin High School. Following his high school graduation, Merlin began farming with his father and brother in Preston Township. On April 9, 1960 he married Eunice Lokken at St. Petri Lutheran Church, Nome, North Dakota. Together, while raising their five children, they farmed and raised cattle. Merlin did take some college courses in nursing and worked at Mercy Hospital in Valley City, North Dakota for a few years, but returned to farming. In his later years, he rented out his land and continued to enjoy his cattle until the time of his death. Merlin was active in and supportive of 4-H and the Ransom County Fair which were family events. He also liked to read, play cards and draw. Merlin was a member of the Farm Bureau and First Methodist Church of Lisbon, North Dakota. Merlin is survived by his wife, Eunice; children Corey (Lana) Fornes, Verne Fornes, Gloria (Steve) Trautman, Grace (John) Savant and Ebe (Crystal) Fornes; grandchildren, Sean (Michelle) Hensen, James (Bekah) Fornes, Christopher Fornes, Stephanie (Kyle) Roelfsema, Jessica (John) O’ Day, Megan Trautman, Dylan Savant and Katie Savant. Merlin is also survived by his great grandchildren: Cyndey Hensen, Ian Hensen, Parker Roelfsema, Riley Roelfsema, John O’ Day Vth and Jocelyn O’ Day. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Melvin and his infant sister. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com

Merlin E. Fornes

January 2, 1939 - April 3, 2022