Merlin R Lambert

Merlin Lambert, 90, Bismarck, formerly of Edgeley, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 16, 2011 at St. Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck, ND.

Merlin R. Lambert was born April 4, 1921 at Frankfort, SD, the son of Henry and Dora (Owens) Lambert. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Edgeley, ND. Merlin attended Glenmore Township School, graduated from Edgeley High School in 1939 and attended Ellendale Normal School. On September 24, 1946 he married Julia Marquart in Edgeley. They moved to the family farm northeast of Edgeley where they managed a small dairy herd in addition to crop farming. They retired to Mandan in 2001.

Merlin was a member of the Transfiguration Catholic Church, the Edgeley Knights of Columbus Council #4389, and was clerk of Russell Township for many years. In addition to farming, Merlin took pride in his John Deere equipment. Over the years, he and Julia traveled to many states, Canadian provinces, and Europe.

Survivors include his five children: Wayne, Montgomery, AL; Catherine (Richard) Okerlund, Bismarck; Anita (Richard) McLain, Kiowa, CO; Myron (Tonia), Colorado Springs, CO; Steve (Joanne), Edgeley; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Julia.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley.

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00p.m., Thursday, April 21, 2011 at St. Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck.

Visitation: 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley.

Vigil: 7:00pm, Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley.

Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Edgeley, later in the spring.