Louis John Merchen

Louis was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on July 20, 1946, he was the youngest of eight born to Les and Nellie Merchen. He now knows what we who are left want to know. He is for sure praising God! No more pain and no more walkers. 

Louis met and married Bodil Hovland on August 20, 1965. Together with God’s blessing they made two wonderful children, Leah, and Jason, but the best are the 4 grandchildren. 

Louis worked several different jobs before going to work for the telephone company and settling in Glendive, for 32 years where the family was raised.  Then due to health issues, the family  moved to Laurel in 2000, where he finished his career with Qwest after 39 and half years.  He was an exceptionally talented guy; he remodeled several houses in Glendive. With the help of his brother, he built a large shop with an attached house in Laurel where he and Bodil lived for 17 years.  He enjoyed old cars, good horses, many dogs over the years and even a couple of cats.

Time spent with the grandchildren was always the best of times. He loved them all very much. They were all a source of wonderful entertainment over the years. He will forever be Kyra and Marley’s “Fa Louie Bunny Boy.”

One of his momentous accomplishments was his 41 years of sobriety in AA. After moving to Laurel, Wednesday AA became the gratitude meeting that he chaired for many years. 

After retiring from Qwest, he had a bible study Friday morning that was at his house, which was always an incredibly special time with the guys. The last bible study was 2 days before he went to the hospital. The guys were always faithful to show up at 8AM.

The last three days of his life when he could still talk, he kept telling his “bride” how much he loved her, and the “bride” loved him, and will surely miss him.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mike and Larry, sisters Anna and Maxine.

Louis is survived by his bride Bodil, daughter Leah and her son Trey Henrikson (Farfar’s favorite grandson) her daughter Tori Henrikson, son Jason (Shannon) and their daughters Kyra and Marley Merchen.  All the granddaughters were favorites and he loved them all. Many fond memories were created with each of them.

Brothers Art (Elnore) and George, sister Elvira Rajala, niece Penina (Doug) Weaver, their daughter Crystal and several nephews and nieces.

Louis had so many wonderful friends that he worked with over the years that have been very dear to him. All his brothers and sisters in AA know that he loved all of you.

Donations can be made in his honor to the Montana Rescue Mission, CLDI, Habitat for Humanity or charity of your choice.

A memorial service is planned for 11:00 am Monday July 31, 2023 at the Family Church (Laurel Assembly of God).