RAPID CITY- Merle Garry Moen, 68, lost his life on January 15, 2013 in a tragic automobile accident in San Clemente, CA. Merle was born March 29, 1944 in Bottineau North Dakota to parents Leo & Ella Moen. As a young man he worked for the County of Bottineau doing land surveying. Soon after, he joined the North Dakota State Highway Department and was rewarded for his hard work with a promotion to Foreman. It is there where he met the love of his life, Kathy Deck. They were married in November 1964 and had two wonderful children, Debi & Dean Moen. Merle moved the family to Rapid City, SD in 1974 to work construction with his brother-in-law. He was very active in the AA program and eventually became an Alcohol Addiction Counselor, using his God-Given talents to help many people. His faith was an important part of his life and he frequently held bible studies in his home. Merle appreciated humor, loving laughter and enjoyed sharing Ole & Lena' jokes. His open and warm personality was ideally suited for a sales career and he flourished in various sales positions representing siding, auto and vacuum industries. His recognized success earned him a glimpse of the world with hosted trips to places such as Hawaii, Grand Cayman and Virgin Islands, as well as California. Merle cherished his family including his doggies, loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and biking among many other activities. Merle was loved by many and will be missed dearly. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Moen, Rapid City; daughter, Debi Besmer, Dana Point, CA; son & daughter-in-law, Dean & Amy Moen, and grandchildren Sammi & Alex Moen, all of Black Hawk, SD. Visitation will be from 4:00pm-6:00pm, Thursday, January 24 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. There will be a time of sharing starting at 5:00 p.m. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 25, at Rimrock Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Bob Cole and Pastor Lee Miller officiating. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.