Merle Barstad

Merle Barstad, age 72, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, July 29th at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 2nd at 4:00 PM at the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Fosston with Rev. Paul Magelssen officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the funeral service on Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent to carlinhoialmen.com. Merle Gary Barstad was born on March 17, 1941 in Fosston, Minnesota, to parents Helmer and Lillian (Blomdahl) Barstad. He was united in marriage to Arlene Nelson on August 25, 1962, and they had three sons - Randy, Rorry, and James. Merle worked for a time on the Iron Range, and also worked for the Highway Department in Crookston, Minnesota. In 1968, he began logging and owned a logging business. Merle loved hunting, spending time with his grandchildren on the farm, and driving around scouting for deer.On July 29, 2013 Merle passed away at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston at the age of 72 years.He is survived by his wife Arlene of Fosston; sons Randy (Kellie) Barstad of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Rorry Barstad of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and James (Kim) Barstad of Fosston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Steven Barstad, Sara Barstad, Nicole Barstad, Sean Barstad, Catelin Barstad, Kylee Barstad, Connor Barstad, Christina Barstad, Mariah Manecke, Heather Barstad, and Caden Barstad; and great grandchildren, Wyatt Mueller, Aiden Grindeland, Matthew Barstad, Kayley Krohnfeldt, and Emma Barstad.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dennis Barstad and Ronnie Barstad; and grandson James Barstad, Jr.