Merle Evelyn Leake

Merle E. Leake, 90, of Emerado, ND died Sunday, June 13, 2010 in Villa St. Vincent Nursing Center, Crookston, MN. Merle E. Lee was born February 17, 1920 the daughter of John E. and Gunda A. (Moen) Lee. She attended school and graduated from Forest River High School. On September 24, 1941 she married Lloyd Leake in the pastor's parlor at Langdon, ND. The following spring they moved to the farm where they raised five children and lived for the next sixty four years. Merle also worked as a rural mail carrier for many years. Merle enjoyed baking bread, community activities, being an active member at the Emerado Presbyterian Church and she especially enjoyed being a very active member of the Emerado Homemakers Club. Merle was a member of the Red River Doll Collectors and was an avid doll collector. Merle and Lloyd's community and neighbors were close to their heart. Their house was often a neighborhood gathering spot for morning coffee and farm talk. Merle is survived by her children, Sharon (Jim) Rask, Port Charlotte, FL., Larry (Ellen) Leake, Crookston, MN, Amy (Calvin) Loken, Duluth, MN, Harley (Mona) Leake, Grand Forks and Don (Sandra) Leake, Duluth, MN; brother, Milton Lee, Fargo, ND; sister, Yvonne Neste, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Jon (Eryn) Rask, Loren (Stacey) Leake, Bill (Paula) Leake, Jana (Trevore) Brekken, Jeff (Elizabeth) Leake, Christopher (Jill) Loken, Michelle(Kendall) Price, Peter Loken, Katie (Matt) Mahoney, Annie (Tyler) Sondrol, Jenny Leake, Rachel Leake, and Meredith Leake; eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Merle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lloyd who died Sept. 3, 2006 and brothers, LeClaire and Kieth Lee.