Merle R. Kaasa, age 54, went to join his parents as a result a farming accident on Wednesday, August 14th, 2019.
Merle Richard Kaasa was born to Osbourne “Ozzy” & Joy Kaasa on January 19, 1965 in Malta, MT. Merle grew up in Dodson, working on the family farm and graduating from Dodson High School in 1983. He loved playing basketball in high school. His mother Joy kept a large scrapbook of his basketball games. Merle touted himself an “OK ball player that was “kinda big and slow”. To his mom, he was a talented player as she tallied and archived his games stats over the years – including fouls. His Dodson Coyote Team saw much success his senior year. Merle had a very close relationship with both parents. Ozzy was glad to have his son by his side until his death in 1997. He worked on the family farm until it was sold.
Merle married Jacki Berrisford in 2001. They welcomed sons, Dalton & Charlie and operated Jake’s Bar in Saco until they later divorced.
Merle worked for Wes Whitaker, Tom Boschee, and Gary Anderson throughout the years. In 2012, Merle went to work for Galen Zerbe at Zerbe Farms. He and the boys moved up to the Pearson Place at Richland.
According to Dalton, Merle loved it when harvest and seeding were done and he could get to hauling grain in the Maroon Kenworth truck that he drove for Zerbes. It was his baby. He hated it when Daryl would drive his truck and “tear it up”. Merle’s favorite car was a 1967 GTO. It was his dream car. He had been looking for one and almost had one found last year.
Merle loved playing pool league, darts, and palling around with his buddies from Malta/Dodson area during his years in Phillips County.
Merle was known for being a hard worker, never asked for much of anything and appreciated anything given to him. Things didn’t matter to Merle – people did. To him your handshake meant more than your checkbook. Merle valued the friendships he developed over the years like that with Galen, Daryl and John.
Merle’s world revolved around his boys, Dalton (17) & Charlie (11). He enjoyed going to their basketball games, their “guy” trips to Havre, and just spending time together at home.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents, Ozzy & Joy; and half siblings, Charlie Kaasa (Ozzy) and Christine Kaasa (Ozzy).
He is survived by sons, Dalton Kaasa & Charles “Charlie” Kaasa of Richland; half-brother, Alan “Butch” Fleming (Joy) of Wisconsin, half-sister Lynn Fleming (Joy) of Kalispell; uncle, Art Kaasa of Bowdoin; aunt, Mary Jane Ketchum of Hinsdale; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins- including Dale Kaasa of Malta and Duane (Wanda) Berrisford of Hinsdale; and many life friends.
Merle Kaasa will forever be missed and his legacy will live on through his boys whom he cherished.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday August 19, 2019
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow , Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 20, 2019
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12;00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 20, 2019
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday August 19, 2019
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow , Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 20, 2019
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12;00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 20, 2019
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Teresa and Wink Cole says
Our deepwst sympathy to Merle’s sons. Merle and his family were part if the Dodson community for many years and friends with our kids during that time. Such a tragedy to lose someone so young. RIP Merle, you deserve it!
Mary McNamara says
Saddened to hear of his passing. Thinking of his family at such a difficult time.
Tony Wilke says
Deepest sympathy to Merle’s family. Was glad to have a visit with Merle in Dodson when I was visiting there.
Dennis Broadbrooks says
I didn’t know Merle well, but i did know a strong and gentle man. Rest in peace my friend!
Sharon A Kindle says
-In Dodson, the basketball players had nicknames for each other, given in a friendly sporting way. My son, Paul Crowder, said Merle’s was “Gramps” cause he moved slow.Goes hand in hand with the saying in his obituary.
RIP Merle and glad you left good memories with all of us.
Darik Dvorshak says
RIP Merle, I’ll always remember sitting in your pickup truck listening to hard rock, normally when it was a balmy 10 below. All those years playing BB
John & Sherry Demarais says
Our condolences to all of Merle’s family.
Marjie Capdeville says
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. The boys love to hear the stories of their Dad’s childhood and especially those high school years.
Marjie Capdeville says
Thank you all for the kind words and memories. The boys love hearing stories of their Dad.