Loretta Birdie (Hatlie) Merchant

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Merchant, Loretta (Hatlie) "Birdie" Birdie, age 82, died peacefully at home in Mound, MN on Aug. 1, 2010. Birdie was born on Sept. 4, 1927, in Breckenridge, MN, grew up Wahpeton, ND, graduate of Wahpeton H.S., and alumnus of College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. She was preceded in death by her first husband Norton M. Hatlie; son Mark Hatlie and step-son Captain Rick Merchant; parents Leo and Rose Novetzke; siblings MaryAnn (William) Crawford and Jack and Robert Novetzke; and sister-in-law Betty Novetzke. She is survived by her children Martin (Charles Holland) Hatlie, Norton (Kathy) Hatlie, Phil (Susan Allers) Hatlie, and Peter (Barbara Roggema) Hatlie; grandchildren Ann and Katie Hatlie, Jesse and Jacob Allers-Hatlie, and Iola Hatlie; brothers Leon (Dorothy) and Bill (Mary) Novetzke; sister-in law Margie Novetzke; many nieces, nephews and cousins; her second husband Robert L. Merchant; his children Cathy (Doug) Shenkle, Chris (Terri) Merchant and Corey (Teresa) Merchant; grandchildren Angela (Trever) Kirkland and Bob (Hillary) Shenkle, Rick and Mikayla Merchant, and Connor, Katie, and Jessica Merchant; and great-grandchildren Derrick Kirkland and Madelyn Shenkle. A loving wife, attentive mother and committed homemaker, Birdie worked for over 30 years as parish secretary at Our Lady of the Lake (OLL) in Mound. She was the careful editor of the weekly bulletin and a faithful contributor to many parish activities. To her loved ones and many friends, Birdie's steady presence and cheerful disposition meant the world. Time and again she touched them with her personal gifts, including a sharp mind, inspiring love of life, strong moral sense and durable commitment to getting the important details of life right. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Lake, American Cancer Society or Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound, on Thurs., Aug. 5, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation at Our Lady of the Lake on Wed., Aug. 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment: Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Mound Chapel 952-472-1716 huberfunerals.com

Published on August 3, 2010