Merle L Brandsrud was born in Rosholt, South Dakota Aug. 12, 1926.
Merle died June 15, 2023.
In 1936, Merle moved with his parents and two sisters to Spokane, Washington. He then moved with his family to Bellingham where he graduated from Bellingham High School in 1944.
Merle was in the Army during World War II and served in the Philippines and Japan. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. An electrician for 27 years in the Bellingham area, he retired in 1982.
Merle was a devoted father to his three daughters. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
Merle is preceded in death by his loving companion Eleanor Leffler of Salem, Oregon; two sisters, Harriet McEuen of Bellingham and Lorraine Chamberlain of Placerville, California; and his first wife, Margaret Baker Brandsrud of Lummi Island.
He is survived by his three daughters: Gail and husband Chris Kibble of North Vancouver, Canada; Beth and husband Rick Salas and Lynn and husband Mark Hersman of Whatcom County; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A service to place his ashes is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale. Military honors will be given by the Bellingham Chapter of the VFW. Those wishing to honor his memory are welcome to attend.
