Merle Andrew Bush Jr., the son of Merle Sr. and Ginny (Alvarado) Bush, was born on December 15, 1976 in Bagley, MN.  He grew up with his family in the Naytahwaush community.  After graduating from Mahnomen High School, Merle began working. He spent a few years as a lead slot technician at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN, but his passion was construction. Most of his career he worked in residential building and roofing.   Merle has shared his life with Lori Ashing for many wonderful years.  He was also blessed with three sons, Merle III, Anakin, and Benjamin. Merle loved the outdoors and simply being in the woods. Through every season, Merle spent many hours hunting and fishing.  He enjoyed being with his family and proudly fulfilled the role of a fun-loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews.   He was the first to begin a wrestling match and teased them incessantly.  Merle was also a true caregiver, honorably stepping in to help care for his father's daily needs in the past few years.    He passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 20, 2021, in Naytahwaush, at the age of 44.

Merle is survived by his sons: Merle III, Anakin, and Benjamin, all of Naytahwaush; his dad, Merle Sr. of Naytahwaush; his siblings: Adam (Tracie) of Ashland, WI, Manuel of Naytahwaush, Elizabeth (Robin) Lenoir of Naytahwaush,  Veronica (Tony) Herrmann of Mahnomen, and Andrea Byrd; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Ginny.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex.   Visitation will be held Monday, March 1, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex.  Burial will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery in Naytahwaush in the spring.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.