Merle E. Hollands February 8, 1938 — May 6, 2026

Merle E. Hollands, 88, of East Grand Forks, MN formerly of Fisher, MN, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. He lived a life defined by service, community, adventure, and an unshakable love for his family.

Born February 8, 1938, in Crookston, MN to Ray and Jeanne (Quigley) Hollands, Merle grew up in Fisher, where he attended school and graduated in 1956. On September 6, 1958, he married the love of his life, Patricia LaPlante, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Crookston. Together they built a home and a life in Fisher, raising five children and remaining devoted members of St. Francis Catholic Church.

Merle was a man of many talents and endless energy. He farmed sugar beets and wheat, and proudly served as a Rural Mail Carrier for the United States Postal Service. He served as Commander of the American Legion and was an active member of both the Eagles and the Legion, giving generously of his time and leadership.

He was an outdoorsman and athlete to his core. Merle competed multiple times in the prestigious I 500 snowmobile race which ran between Winnipeg and St. Paul Minnesota, and in a feat that speaks to both his skill and determination, he consecutively participated in the USSMCA National Seniors Curling Championship and won two years. He also taught gun safety and snowmobile safety, passing his love of the outdoors on to the next generation with responsibility and care.

A card shark at heart, Merle loved to gamble and could hold his own at any table. Whether on the curling sheet, the snowmobile trail, the farm, hunting in the wilds of Montana, or around a card game, he showed up fully and gave everything he had.

Merle is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Pat Hollands of East Grand Forks; his children Kevin (Darlyne) Hollands of Fisher, Kathleen (Dave) Faflik of Lighthouse Point, FL, Kelly Hollands of Grand Forks, Kent (Laura) Hollands of Grand Forks, and Kim (Scott) Monson of Perham; grandchildren Darren, Jared, Travis Hollands, Jessica Hoff, Jonathan Peterson, Kasidy Slotten, Kolby Hollands, Payton Jordahl, and Shelby Kalina; and great-grandchildren Taya Hollands, Micah and Mason Hoff, Axis Peterson, Treyson Sondreal, Hudson Schell, Wrenlie and Lovina Hollands, Charlotte Bommersbach, and Miles and Hayes Jordahl.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Jeanne Hollands, his brother Bill Hollands, his sister Teri (Rod) Engel, and his nephew Lance Hollands.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Take a Kid Fishing with Rocky's Fishing Friends at Lake Country Sportsmen's Club P.O. Box 672 Battle Lake, MN 56515.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11:30 AM, Monday, May 18, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Service will be live-streamed on Merle's page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com.

VISITATION: 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass at 11:30 at Sacred Heart.

INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery in Fisher, MN.

*******Merle's family respectfully requests In lieu of flowers , memorials are suggested to Take a Kid Fishing with Rocky's Fishing Friends at Lake Country Sportsmen's Club, P.O. Box 672, Battle Lake, MN 56515 — a cause that perfectly reflects Merle's lifelong love of the outdoors and his desire to share it with the young.