Merle Stenberg, age 81, of Sheyenne, ND, died Friday, February 24, 2012, at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo, ND.

Victor Merle Stenberg was born on October 2, 1930, at Makoti, ND, the son of Thelma (Thompson) and Victor Stenberg. He attended his school years at Sheyenne Public School and graduated in 1949. Merle joined the US Air Force in March in 1951 and spent one year in Texas, two years in Okinawa, and one year in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He attended Wahpeton State School of Science under the GI bill and became a Master Plumber.

Victor Merle Stenberg and Rhoda Daugherty were united in marriage on June 20, 1954, at Sheyenne, ND. After his discharge from the Air Force, they returned to Sheyenne and were in the plumbing and heating business for 25 years.

He had a love for music and played bass guitar with the Dakota Ramblers and other bands. Merle was a member of First Lutheran Church and the VFW in Sheyenne, and American Legion in New Rockford and Fargo.

Merle is survived by his wife, Rhoda of Sheyenne; 2 sisters, Arlene Berg, Roseville, CA, and Lorraine (Roger) Larson, Santa Rosa, CA; one brother, Mervin (Marlene) Stenberg, Vancouver, WA; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Stenberg, Pekin, ND, and Darlene Daugherty, New Rockford, ND; one brother-in-law, Carl (Caroline) Daugherty, Sheyenne, ND ; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Thelma Stenberg; and a brother, Dennis Stenberg.

FUNERAL SERVICE: First Lutheran Church, Sheyenne, ND

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 10:30AM

BURIAL: Riverside Cemetery, Sheyenne, ND