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Merna A. Hilde, age 90, of Fargo, ND, died on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND.

Merna Ardell Anderson was born November 15, 1930 in a red brick house a few miles north of Amery, Wisconsin. Merna was born to Clara Anderson, a nurse and A. Peter Anderson, a WWI Veteran and farmer. Merna's brother, Maynard, 14 months older welcomed her, watched out for her and was her best friend. She followed him around everywhere. They enjoyed fishing the Apple River, catching frogs, hunting rabbits, skiing, sliding in the winter and riding bike in the summer.

In 1936, her parents lost their home and farm in the depression. Merna attended country school and went to high school in Amery, graduating in 1948. She went to work in Minneapolis, MN, as a nurse's aide. She met Leslie Hilde from Ulen, MN, in Minneapolis. They were married November 11, 1949, while Leslie was attending the University of Minnesota. The couple was blessed with 4 children: Patricia, Susan, Robert and Steven.

Merna held various jobs all related to the medical field and serving the elderly or handicapped. She was a nurse's aide, Home Health Aide and a Respite Caregiver. She grew attached to many of her patients as it was her nature. The family lived in the Rollag/Pelican Lake area for over 40 years before moving to Fargo. Merna and Leslie made their last home at Bethany on University until his passing. Merna continued to live at Bethany making many friends among the residents and staff. She was especially close to the staff that worked her floor, nurses, aides, cleaning personnel and maintenance staff always greeting them and frequently thanking them for their work in creating such a wonderful place to live. She especially enjoyed meeting aides from all across the world and getting to know them and their stories. She kept a notebook of their names and where they were from and had them show her on a globe and map.

Merna was a member of Rollag Lutheran Church since 1966. She served as a Sunday School Teacher and President of the Ladies Aid. Merna also served at Rollag Steam Threshers for many years. Merna and Leslie loved to travel and camped in nearly all 50 states, including Alaska. Her sense of humor and caring nature about everyone who crossed her path will be dearly missed.

Merna's family has requested memorials be made to Bethany on University or Rollag Lutheran Church.

Merna is survived by her daughters, Patricia Hilde and Susan Hilde; her sons, Bob Hilde and Steve (Carolyn) Hilde; four grandsons: Kevin and Brian Bruce, Andrew and Alex Hilde; one granddaughter, Julie Bruce; two great-grandsons, Carter and Connor Bruce; her brothers-in-law, David (Lori) Hilde and Donald Hilde; three nephews: Mark (Catherine) Hilde, Gary (Arlene) Anderson and David (Jolene) Anderson; two nieces, Sandy (Jeff) Kopp and Lisa (Wayne) Howard; and other extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Leslie; her beloved brother, Maynard and his wife Dora; her brother-in-law, Victor Hilde; sisters-in-law, Irene and Kaye Hilde; as well as other extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021 at Rollag Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN. A time of gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at Rollag Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate. For those unable to attend, a video of the service will be uploaded here shortly following the service. A facebook livestream will also be available on Anderson Family Funeral Home facebook page.