Merrill Craig Buisker was born October 1, 1947, in Britton, SD, to Melvin & Eulalie Buisker. Merrill and his family moved to Havana, ND, in 1952. He grew up there and went to Havana School all twelve years. He played high school basketball and football. Merrill continued his education one year at NDSU, then transferred to Mayville State University. There, he wrestled and played college football, graduating in 1971.

Merrill worked at several grain elevators in North and South Dakota. While working in Rutland, ND, he met Karen Kulzer. They married on November 29, 1980 in Rutland. Together they raised two sons, Benjamin and Matthew. He was extremely proud of both boys and the men they have become.

Merrill was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Rutland Sportsmen Club. He loved sports, especially football. He was always faithful to his struggling Vikings. He enjoyed reading western books and watching western movies. He also enjoyed woodworking. Merrill’s special joy were his grandchildren, Lincoln, Abby, Madden, and Emma. He loved them dearly. Merrill was a good man.

Grateful for having shared Merrill’s life are his wife Karen Buisker; children Ben & Kari Buisker and Matt & Tracey Buisker; grandchildren Lincoln, Madden, Abbigail, and Emma; grand dog Wilson; siblings Eileen & Francis Veldman and Jeanne & Maynard Bosse; siblingsin- law Norbert & Bev Kulzer and David & Pat Kulzer, Diane Davis, Cathy & Frank Krieglstein, and many nieces & nephews.

Preceding Merrill in death are his parents Melvin & Eulalie Buisker. www.spitzerfuneralhome. com