Merle Ray Friesen

Merle Ray Friesen, a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho. He was born on April 18,1947 at Harms Memorial Hospital in American Falls, Idaho to Edwin and Katherine Friesen. Merle met his bride Marsha (Hoffer) Friesen at the Mennonite Church where they both attended youth group and church camps together. The two were married on August 18, 1968. Their love bore fruit in the form of three children: Kimberly (Friesen) Ruff, Jared Friesen, and Mica (Friesen) Leisy. Each of them carries forward the values instilled in them by their father—values of faith, hard work, and compassion. He was also a beloved father-in-law to Russell Ruff, Pilar (Sandoval) Friesen, and Richard Leisy. Merle delighted in the company of his grandchildren and always made the effort to connect with each one. God blessed him and Marsha with grandchildren - Tanner and Wyatt (Brittany) Ruff, Tyler and Logan Friesen, Kolter, Paige and Kate Leisy, as well as his great grandchildren Levi and Titus Ruff. Merle led a remarkable life defined by his faith, love for family, and unwavering dedication to his work.

Merle began his career in agriculture after graduating from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, and Idaho State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. In 1969, he took to the fields alongside his father, raising potatoes and grain until his father’s retirement. He continued farming row crops for many years, but in 1997, Merle embraced a new challenge in intensive dairy cattle grazing operation, managing an impressive average of 750 cattle on 150 acres until 2015. In a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, he also opened a Pop-A-Lock Franchise in the greater Salt Lake area in 2006. His commitment to his community was further exemplified by his service on the board of the American Falls Fire Commission for many years.

Merle and Marsha both had a heart for Christian education and played a crucial role in establishing Trinity Christian School in American Falls, Idaho, in 1985. The two were unwaveringly dedicated to seeing that all three of their children graduate from an institution built on Biblical values. Merle loyally served on the board of Trinity for nearly thirty five years. He finally retired from that service last spring when he felt the Lord laying on his heart that it be the next generation that should move the school forward.

Merle and Marsha’s deep faith and dedication to sharing God’s love went beyond their own community of American Falls. The two were blessed to travel on a Christian mission to serve the people of Uganda, Africa, with All Things Phil 4:13 Ministries in 2014. During their time there, Merle was able to minister in the local prison by sharing his testimony and the gospel. Merle and Marsha together were able to support Stan and Sandy Eslinger in planting a mission in Africa that continues to exist and flourish so that many may know Christ as their Lord. 

Merle fought valiantly against stage four neuroendocrine cancer, a diagnosis that he faced with remarkable courage and an abundance of love for his family. He spent his final months in the sunlit warmth of Arizona, cherishing time spent with loved ones before returning home to be with his Savior.

A man of humor and warmth, Merle had the incredible ability to make others smile. Friends and family alike will remember him for his ready laughter, teasing nature, and generous heart—qualities that endeared him to everyone who crossed his path. His legacy of faithfulness extended beyond his words. it was woven into the very fabric of his life, culminating in a conviction to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Family meant everything to Merle—his proudest accomplishment was raising his children in a loving home, where he modeled his deep love for the Lord through both actions and words.

Merle will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister Barbara (Friesen) Enns, brother-in-law Don Enns, countless friends and church family whose lives he touched. He will now rest alongside his beloved parents, Edwin and Katherine Friesen, who preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Trinity Christian School, the institution he worked so faithfully to establish and support, in honor of his legacy of faith and education. Contributions may be made online at https://trinitychristianidaho.com/donate.

A viewing will be held on October 3, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Davis-Rose Funeral Home in American Falls, ID. Visitation will take place on October 4, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at the Aberdeen First Mennonite Church, concluding at 12:00 PM.

In these moments, we celebrate the life of Merle Ray Friesen, honoring a man who was, in every sense, a gem—a true believer and a loving soul whose memory will forever illuminate the hearts of those he has left behind.