Merle Grimm

Merle Grimm, 68 of Fargo, ND formerly of Ellendale, ND, the daughter of Milo and Mildred (Harris) Anderson was born July 23, 1939, in Hanley Falls, MN. She was raised and educated in Hanley Falls were she graduated from high school in 1958. On August 23, 1958, Merle married Leonard D. Grimm in Hanley Falls. In 1965 they moved to Canby, MN. Later she worked as the church secretary in Badger, MN. In 1971 they moved to Buxton, ND. She was one of the organizers of the “over the hill gang” and Women’s Slow Pitch softball team where Lenny was the coach for three years. She enjoyed ceramics, bowling at Hillsboro women’s league, and for one year Merle and Lenny erected grain bins in the Buxton area. In 1978 they moved to Ellendale where she worked at the nursing home and Lenny operated Cenex gas station. In 1982 they moved to Williston, ND where Merle was secretary for Williams County Farmers Union, she was also the camp coordinator for the childrens’ camp and went on camping trips with the children. In 1986 they returned to Ellendale and she worked for the Ellendale Ambulance and the nursing home. In 1986, Lenny’s mother, Helen, moved in with them and Merle cared for her. Before moving to Fargo, Merle and Lenny managed the Prairie Winds Motel in Ellendale. Merle resided at her home in Fargo until her death May 15, 2008 at Innovis Hospital in Fargo, ND. Grateful to have shared in her life are her husband: Lenny Grimm of Fargo, ND; one son: Keith Grimm of Fargo, ND; four daughters: Colleen Rithmiller, of Ellendale, ND, Karen (Rick) Niemi, of Fargo, ND, Julie (John) Grimm, of Ellendale, ND, Carolyn (Chris) Kueber of Aneta, ND; 10 grandchildren; two brothers: Gordon and David Anderson both of Minneapolis, MN; one sister: Marlys Kiefer of Clarkson, ID. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Jason, three brothers, one sister and two step grandchildren. The memorial service is 2pm Tuesday at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale with Pastor Galen Sylvester officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the memorial service at Hoven Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at a later date. Honorary Urn Bearers: Michael Munter, Andrew Rithmiller, Amanda Munter, Dean Rithmiller, Kelsey Munter, Kayleen Rithmiller, Patrick Swift, George Niemi, Kerstan Swift, Ricky Grimm, Kara Klipfel, Alexandria Kueber Pianist: Sharon Langley, Soloist: Doreen Cerkowniak. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale, ND.