Merlyn J. Skaley, 75, died Sunday, June 15, 2025, at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND surrounded by his family. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00PM on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Mercer, ND. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the church with a prayer service at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume one-hour prior on Thursday. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 10:00AM on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Merlyn Skaley was born on July 7, 1949, to Meinhardt and Gertrude (Dalos) Skaley and was raised and educated in Mercer, North Dakota. After graduating in 1968, he joined the U.S. Navy and served proudly for four years. During his service, Merlyn worked as a storekeeper aboard the USS Pictor, supplying larger ships, and was later stationed in Okinawa. He remained proud of his military service throughout his life.

Following his honorable discharge, Merlyn returned to North Dakota to farm with his dad and uncle, Albert Skaley. On September 23, 1978, he married Kathleen Helm. Together they raised two sons, Curtis and Jeremy. Though farming was always in his heart, Merlyn transitioned into a 25-year career with the North Dakota State Water Commission. He retired in 2012.

In the early 1990s, the family moved to Beulah, ND, where they lived until Merlyn's retirement. After retiring, he returned to his roots at Brush Lake, moving back into the home where he was born and raised—a place that remained incredibly special to him.

Merlyn was a dedicated member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mercer, where he served on the church council. He was also a volunteer fireman in Mercer and a member of the Wise Township board.

He enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, playing cards, going on side-by-side rides with friends, and especially traveling. Merlyn loved to cruise—completing 28 vacation cruises in addition to those during his Navy years. He and Kathleen wintered in Alabama for eight years and made a memorable trip to Australia with friends. In 2023, he had the honor of participating in the Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota to Washington, D.C. and attended numerous reunions with fellow USS Pictor veterans across the country.

Merlyn is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Mercer, ND; sons Curtis (Mary) of Bismarck and their daughter Gracie, and stepchildren Payton and Braxton Wetzel; Jeremy (Kayla) of Taylor, ND, and their daughters Hayden and Mckenli. He is also survived by his sisters Marlys (Randall) Anderson and Mavis (Mike) Orvis; father- and mother-in-law Arlington and Phyllis Helm; brother-in-law Keith Helm (Jodi); sister-in-law Cheryl Helm; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meinhardt and Gertrude Skaley; sister and brother-in-law Lois and Raymond Korus; sister Janice Seilinger; and brother-in-law Kerry Helm.

Merlyn's life was full of purpose, pride, and deep love for family, faith, and country. He will be dearly missed.