Laurence “Laurie” McMerty , 77, passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2022 in Bismarck. Laurie had been recovering from an accident and was in great spirits, surrounded by an outpouring of love from the many lives he touched. A sudden heart attack changed his journey and took him home to our Lord too soon.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND. A livestream of the service will be available on the Trinity Lutheran Church website.
Visitation will be held at Bismarck Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, beginning at 4:00 PM with a prayer service at 5:00 PM, visitation will continue after the prayer service until 7:00 PM and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Laurie was born in Fargo on June 11, 1945 to Daniel “Francis” and Kathleen (Sunderland) McMerty. He grew up surrounded by eight siblings, who still gathered often to make hearty, Irish-shenanigan-fueled fun. Laurie met the love of his life while attending Moorhead State College and married “Kathy” Kathleen Waltz on his 21 st birthday after at least one failed elopement attempt. Kathy has always been a “patient” woman according to Laurie, and those who knew them saw the love they had for each other.
After college, Laurie moved with Kathy to McGregor where he began his teaching career and eventually moved to Stanley, and Minot, and gained three sons along the way. He later worked in multiple agencies for the State of North Dakota and eventually owned his own company, Docustore, which he retired from in 2016. After retirement, Laurie had an opportunity to return to the gift of teaching by subbing in the Bismarck Public Schools, spending much of the time at Legacy High School, and more recently, Century High School. He deeply loved teaching and held all the students he taught in his heart. We are certain they all learned something from his vast knowledge of history and storytelling abilities. He was, in fact, as “wonderful” as he indicated when asked.
Laurie was very proud of his sons, who along with their families and children, were the joy of his life – Michael (Lynn), and Colin; Matthew (Sandy), Cristian, Finnegan, and Parker; and Marc (Joy), Taylor, and Declan. He loved attending all their life events from births to ball games and was quick to tell anyone who would listen how talented they all were.
Laurie loved to cook and bake, gave frequently to others (especially baked goods), was a master at sudoku, an avid-reader, a lover of Jeopardy, and a world traveler. His favorite movie was Zulu, and his love of history was unmatched. He and Kathy crossed the globe, making new friends and memories, most recently traveling to Africa in 2021. The family is blessed by the many memories he leaves in our hearts, and the stories you have shared during this difficult time. They are especially thankful to the caring staff at Baptist Health & Rehab, where Laurie quickly made new friends.
His is survived by siblings, John (Joan) McMerty, Jim (Julie) McMerty, Michel (Rita) McMerty, Kathy (Gary) Denault, Jeanie McMerty (John Brummer), Trish (Bob) Walls, Brian (Sarah Lyell) McMerty, and Peter McMerty.
He is preceded in death by parents Daniel “Francis” and Kathleen (Sunderland) McMerty, sister-in-law Charlene McMerty, and nephew John Michael McMerty.
In lieu of memorials, the family encourages a donation to Designer Genes of North Dakota, or a charity that is meaningful to you.
To watch the livestream of the prayer service, please click here .
To watch the livestream of the memorial service, please click here .