MERLEN "MERLE" GLEN CLEMENSON

Merlen Glenn Clemenson Merlen (Merle) G. Clemenson, 82, of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services for Merle will be held Monday, April 15 at 11:00 AM at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Rev. Jeff Nicla will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Merle G. Clemenson was born January 7, 1931 in Lawton, ND as the third son to Christ and Alma Clemenson. Merle graduated from Lawton High School in 1948 before leaving for college at North Dakota State University. In 1952, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. After working in drug stores in Fargo and Carrington, he came to Devils Lake in 1953 to work as a Registered Pharmacist for S. C. Haggen at the Bell Drug Store. In 1955, he became a partner and 1959, he became the sole owner of the store. He married Sonja A. Byberg of Valley City, ND on May 26, 1957 and established their home in Devils Lake. They raised three children – Steven Glenn, Jane Ann and John Christian. Merle served in many capacities in many organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the National Association of Retail Druggists and the North Dakota Pharmaceutical Association. He was a charter member of the Lake Region Ski Club, Exalted Ruler of Elks, Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the Country Club and President of the Rotary Club. Merle enjoyed many years of business at the Bell Drug Store before retiring in 1992. He enjoyed spending winters in Scottsdale, Arizona and summers in North Dakota. Merle enjoyed going to the cabin at Wood Lake and fishing on Devils Lake. He was always looking for a big walleye! Surviving include his wife, Sonja of Devils Lake; son Steven (Dianna) of Fargo, ND; daughter Jane (Steve) Brandt of Cedar Rapids, IA; son John (Kathryn) of Brandon, SD; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Sonja, Daniel, Kristin, Stephanie, Brianna and Benjamin and one great granddaughter Kherington; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Clifford Clemenson and Wilbur Clemenson.