Obit: Enstad, Merlin Duane (1962 - 2006)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Surnames: Enstad, Gleason, Gadbois, Tollefson

----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, WI) August 23, 2006

Enstad, Merlin Duane (August 2, 1962 - August 16, 2006)

Merlin Enstad, age 44, of Neillsville, died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 in the emergency room of the Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville, Wis.

Merlin Duane Enstad was born on August 2, 1962 in Pekin, North Dakota the son of Mainerd and Marlys (Gleason) Enstad. He attended elementary school in Tolna, N.D. and graduated from high school in Moorhead, MN. Shortly after graduation, Merlin moved to Devils Lake, N. D. and worked for an auto parts store. In 1986, Merlin met Anne Gadbois; they married on October 8, 1988 in Devils Lake, N.D. In 1989, they moved to Stevens Point, where Merle worked for Northern Auto. They moved to Neillsville in 1995, when Merle was named manager of Carquest in Neillsville, Wis.

Merle was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville and served on the Pastoral Council and as an usher. He was president of the Neillsville Gun Club, a member of the Neillsville Men’s Club and a member of the Neillsville Country Club.

Merlin enjoyed hunting, especially his annual pheasant hunting trip to South Dakota, golfing, softball, 4-wheeling with his family and fishing with his son. He was an avid Minnesota Viking fan and a fan of whatever team was playing the Green Bay Packers. Merlin enjoyed life to the fullest but, the best times in his life were times spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Anne; and their children, Adam and Jessica, all of Neillsville; his mother, Marlys Enstad, of Fargo, N.D.; two brothers, Mark (Cathy) Enstad, of Glydon, MN; and Chad (Robin) Enstad, of Canby, MN; a step-sister, Gaylene (Lawrence) Tollefson, of Doyon, N. D.; and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mainerd and his grandparents.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Merlin was held Saturday, August 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville, Wis. The Celebrant was the Very Reverend Woodrow H. Pace. Music was provided by Ronald Resong, organist, Wendell and Kathy Attoe, vocalists and St. Mary’s Choir. Interment was in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Neillsville, Wis.

Casket Bearers were: Mark Enstad, Chad Enstad, Partick Gadbois, Wally Domaszek, Jim Smagacz and Butch Carl.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Merlin’s family for designation at a later date.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Merlin’s family with funeral arrangements.