Merle Harvey Naeseth 71, of Goodridge, MN died on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at his rural Goodridge home surrounded by his loving family. Memorial service will be held on Friday April 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM in Johnson Funeral service Chapel in Thief River Falls with Reverend Robert Dahlen Officiating. Burial will be held at Moose River Cemetery at Gatzke in the spring. Merle Harvey Naeseth was born June 10, 1941 at Thief River Falls son of the late Martin Adolph and Myrtle Olivia (Johnson) Naeseth. He attended rural school near Gatzke and Middle River High School. Merle went to work for farmers in the area. In 1957 he moved to Fort Benton, MT where he worked on a ranch. He returned to MN in 1959 where he began working construction for various contractors in the area. On December 14, 1963 he was united in marriage to Donna Mae Johnson in Thief River Falls at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. The couple made their home in the Goodridge area. Merle worked heavy construction until his retirement. He continued to live in the log home built by the family until the time of his death. He enjoyed wood working and there was nothing he couldn't do or make out of wood. He also enjoyed painting, fishing, hunting, trapping and spending time on his food plots. He was great to tease and always had a quick comeback. Merle was a member of the Local 49rs Union and was a man with strong faith. He is survived by his children Denise (Dennis) Schulz of Euclid, MN; Dave Naeseth of Goodridge, MN; JoAnn (Ryan) Myhre of Hermantown, MN and Jason (Kia) Naeseth of Thief River Falls, MN: grandchildren Jacob, Nicholas, Brea, Cameron, Megan, Madison and Tyler: Step-grandchildren Alison Schulz and Brett (Jill) Schulz and step-great grandchildren Silas, Katelynn and Taylor. Brother Lowell Naeseth of Thief River Falls, MN; nephews Chuck Naeseth of Fort Benton, MT; Randy Naeseth of Valley City, ND and neice Valerie Cherry of Blaine, MN. Merle is preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna on October 2, 2001; brother Milton, infant sister, half brother Hervey and nephew Lester.