Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Merle Bickett
Merle Henry Bickett Jr., age 81, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 3, 2025.
Merle was born to Merle Sr. and Emma Lee Bickett on September 19, 1943. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carrington and graduated from Carrington High School in 1961. He proudly served as a sargeant in the North Dakota Army National Guard, where he earned the distinction of Expert Rifle Marksman.
After his military service, Merle moved to El Segundo, California, where he worked at LA Lithography as a press inspector. It was here that he met Sheila Helenske, the love of his life. They moved back and were married during a blizzard at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bremen, ND, on October 11, 1969. Merle and Sheila welcomed their first son, Chad, the following year and started their family in Carrington, where Merle helped with the family farming operation. Later, Merle attended North Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics. After returning to Carrington to farm they welcomed their second son, Cody, in 1980 and later built their forever home.
Merle transitioned from farming in 1996 to working as a crop adjuster for Rain and Hail Insurance Company, a position he held with great pride and dedication until his passing. When he wasn’t working, Merle found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially attending their various sporting events. He was a lifelong avid hunter, who cherished the annual Colorado hunting trips with his son and grandsons. He also had a deep love for fishing, finding happiness in every cast with his fishing buddies – particularly his good friend Mark Finch. Summers were spent at their lake cabin visiting with family and friends, almost always with a cold drink in hand. A passionate football fan, Merle was a lifelong supporter of the Green Bay Packers. In recent years, he found a knack for gardening and took pride in sharing with his loved ones.
Merle is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; sons, Chad (Rachel) and Cody Bickett; grandchildren, Taylor (Cassandra) Bickett, Breanne (Jack) Graven, Ryder Bickett, and Parker Bickett; great-grandchildren, Adalee and Barrett Bickett; a brother Don (Peggy) Bickett, a sister Merleen (Bruce) Gussiaas; many nieces and nephews; as well as many friends and extended family who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle Sr. and Emma Lee Bickett, and his brother, Dwayne.
Merle’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His memory will forever remain a cherished part of the lives he touched.
Merle’s Visitation will be Monday from 1:00-5:00PM with family present from 4:00-5:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.
A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:30AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington.
His Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.
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Sheila and family, we are heartbroken to hear the news of Merle’s passing. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Hugs to you all.
Dear Sheila and family. I was so, so sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. My Condolences.
Sheila and Family. So sorry for your loss. Was a big surprise. Our condolences goes out to all. Merle was a great friend and will be missed dearly. Prayers and hugs to you all. An Angel will always be looking over you.🙏🙏🙏🙏
I am so very, very sad about Merle’s passing. He was a life-long friend during grade school, high school, hunting, partying and just raising hell. We were always together and have remained dear friends during our adult life. I will sincerely miss Merle. May God bless Sheila and her family. I send my thoughts and prayers to Sheila and family.
May the many memories that your heart holds bring you comfort in the days to come. sending hugs and prayers to you Sheila and your family.
So sorry to hear of Merle’s passing.
Jr & Lois Larson
Sheila and Family: Deepest Sympathy to you and your families. May all the memories comfort you. Sending Hugs Sheila.
Sheila so sorry for your loss, you will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult journey.
Sheila and family, so sorry to hear, had so many good times in our college days and at work for Bergseths our prayers are with all of you.
Sheila and Family, so sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. What great memories and a special place you all hold of my wonderful childhood growing up in Melville. May you be comforted with all the wonderful memories you have. Hugs and prayers.
Sheila and family, Carla and me were very sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him and trading stories about hunting and fishing. He was a great man to visit with. May all the memories comfort you and your family. Prayers to you and your children.
Sheila and family, We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and rest as only He can. Peggy and Ray
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila, Chad, and family.
Bickett Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to your whole family.
Steve & Jane Metzger
So sorry for your loss Bickett family, may God Bless and comfort you.
Sheila and family, so very sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. He was a dear and wonderful friend to my father for nearly his entire life. I always loved a good Darryl and Merle story! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your loss to all your families and friends. May his memory be with you forever in your hearts. Our prayers are with you all 🙏🙏
Sheila and family,
So sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. Hugs and prayers for the days ahead. Your memories will be a great source of comfort and laughter as you talk about all the times you spent together. Blessings!
So sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mural and Gail Pollert
Sorry to hear of Merle’s passing to Sheila and family. He had a great personality.
Dear Bickett family, we are saddened by the loss of a great man! we have enjoyed spending our summer months with Merle & Sheila and we will dearly miss him in the years to come. our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. hugs to you all.
Bickett family, sorry for your loss Merle will be deeply missed. Whenever our paths crossed it was always uplifting he could put everyone in a good mood and his signature smile could be seen a mile away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you
So sorry to hear about Merle. He always had a smile and something to visit about. He will be missed by many. You are all in our our prayers.