Dean J. Merhiy
December 18, 1952 ~ June 6, 2022
Dean’s funeral service will be livestreamed below starting at 1:00 PM Friday June 10, 2022.
Dean Jerome Merhiy, 69, Fargo, ND died on June 6, 2022.
Dean Jerome Merhiy was born December 18, 1952 in Fargo, ND to Smylie and Margie (Dahlen) Merhiy. He was confirmed at Davenport Lutheran Church and attended Davenport School until Kindred and Davenport consolidated his sophomore year. He graduated from Kindred High School in 1970 and attended North Dakota State University.
Growing up Dean spent his summers on Pelican Lake where he discovered the joy of boating and mastered the sport of waterskiing. Winters were spent snowmobiling and snowmobile racing with his dad. In high school and college he learned the construction trades while working at his father’s business, Kindred Plumbing & Heating. He attended NDSU where he lettered in track, joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and made life-long friends. He graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then went into the family business full time.
In 1974, Dean married Catherine (Cathy) Schulz at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in West Fargo, ND. They lived in Kindred and raised their two children, Courtnay and Eric. Dean was an active figure in the Kindred community and a faithful member of Norman Lutheran Church. From sponsoring track meets (KPH Invitational) and helping improve the city municipalities, to singing in the choir, playing drums in the band, and greeting people wherever he went, Dean was eager to use his gifts to make things work better and help people feel welcome.
Always up for the challenges of a growing business, Dean used his engineering way of thinking, common sense, and positive attitude to expand the heavy municipal services of Kindred Plumbing & Heating (KPH, Inc). He earned the respect of many people in the industry throughout the tri-state area, working on countless projects that improved communities and infrastructure. A hands-on guy, there wasn’t anything he didn’t feel he couldn’t do or challenges he couldn’t overcome. He loved “digging in the dirt” and “keeping the guys busy.”
As busy as work was, Dean was always ready to be with his family and friends. He loved going to the lake, cheering on the Bison, and taking trips to sunny destinations. To him, life was meant to be enjoyed. Dean was a man of integrity, fun-loving, and positive. His heart and love of life, even with dementia, will be missed, but not forgotten.
The family wishes to thank the loyal and dedicated staff at Parkside Lutheran, and Red River Hospice. A special thank you to Randy Huether for all his visits.
Dean is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy (Catherine Schulz), Fargo, ND, daughter, Courtnay (Brian; Everett, and Hadley) Suter, Excelsior, MN, Eric (Amber; Gavin, Gage, and Gracie) Merhiy, West Fargo, ND; sisters Nancy (Harold) Ebens, Kindred, ND, Jane (Tim) Miller, Rochert, MN, Cathy’s sister Barb (Dave) Gaddie, Duluth, MN, and Cathy’s brother Paul (Denise) Schulz, Davenport, ND. Dean is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Smylie and Margie Merhiy, father and mother-in-law, Delmer and Ardell Schulz, and brother-in-law, Greg Schulz.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 10th from 11AM – 1PM followed by the funeral service at 1PM at Norman Lutheran Church, Kindred. Burial will take place at Kindred Cemetery immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dean’s name to the church or charity that is most meaningful to you.
Services
Visitation: June 10, 2022 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Norman Lutheran Church, rural Kindred
16803 52nd St SE
Kindred, ND 58051
Funeral: - June 10, 2022 1:00 pm
Norman Lutheran Church, rural Kindred
16803 52nd St SE
Kindred, ND 58051
Dean: Rest In Peace my brother. It was a pleasure spending time with You , Cathy & family. So many Great Memories. So many Great Friends.
Phi Alpha
Brother Kaeding
So glad you were a Christian man…see you in heaven! Mark and Lana
Cathy & Family: Thinking of you all & keeping you in our prayers at this time. Cherish the many memories of your loved one, no one can take those from you.
Our deepest sympathies in your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mike and Lois Gustafson
Kathy and Family——you have our prayers and sympathy at this difficult time—Dean was a great guy. Don and Nancy Roehrich.
Cathy and Family,
Sincere sympathy at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed visiting with you and Dean over the years.
Mike and Mary Shulstad
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Angie
Extending heartfelt condolences to the family and all who mourn.
It has been 15. Years now since Dean and John Brayton and I were inducted together into the KHS sports Hall of Fame. And 53 years since we ran track together for KHS.
I remember his smile and beautiful enthusiastic family and his desire to do the right thing. May he find peace throughout eternity. Amen!
Bless the life of Dean and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! I will be unable to attend the funeral today, but will be a part of the service online. God Bless you all and the memories of Dean Merhiy!
Don and Lori Beck
Sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. I remember him as a great boss way back in the early 1980s!! Hugs to you and your family.
Kristi Leach
Dean’s memories will live on in the hearts of the many people he positively impacted.
Sorry for your loss. The memory of Dean will live with me forever. I will say a preyer for your family. God Bless You. Sincerely
Cathy and family:
My heart goes out to you all as Dean will live on in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace good Christian brother.
Dean is now at peace in the presence of his Lord & Savior. Know there are many that are here in support of Cathy & the family.