Merle Thorstad

Merle G. Thorstad, 82, of Lloyd, passed away of natural causes at his ranch in the Bear Paw Mountains on Thursday, March 27, 2014. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 3, 11 a.m., at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Chinook, with burial following at Kuper Memorial Cemetery. Vigil and rosary will be Wednesday, April 2, 7 p.m., at the church.

Merle was born to George and Clara Baldwin Thorstad on Nov. 17, 1931, in Chinook. He grew up on the ranch south of Lloyd with two younger sisters, Linda and Nellie (Lee). He graduated from Chinook High School in 1949. He served in the Army in the 1950s, then later in the National Guard when he came home to run the family ranch. He married Lois Wiench on Oct. 10, 1959.

Merle was a member and served on various boards and committees for the Montana Stockgrowers, Montana Aeronautics Board, Farm Credit Services, the Eagles and Northern Montana Health Care. He was elected for two terms as a Blaine County commissioner. He enjoyed ranching, flying his airplane, snowmobiling, helping neighbors brand and work cattle, hunting, and especially shooting gophers in his later years.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois; son, George Thorstad (Debbie) of Bozeman; daughters, Tracy Anderson (Jim) of Chinook and Cindy Thorstad (Laura Williges) of San Diego, Calif.; grandsons, Glenn and Geoff Thorstad of Bozeman: sisters, Linda Sivertsen of Aberdeen, S.D., and Lee Kornoff of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Memorials may be sent to the charity of one's choice.