Merl Lyle Gall

 Merl Lyle Gall passed away unexpectedly from heart failure on January 26, 2025, at his home in Conrad, Montana.

 Merl was born on February 26, 1955, in Great Falls, Montana, to Merl L. Gall and Thelma B. (Pitzer) Gall. 

He faced early challenges with speech. He started school in Olympia Washington. After moving to Montana he attended Easter Seals program where he was head of his class. In the third grade, he attended schools in Great Falls.

After school, Merl enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for a few years in California. He was proud to be a veteran. 

He was also a talented locksmith.

Merl was a gentle soul with a kind heart. He had the brightest blue eyes and the friendliest smile.

An avid reader, Merl eventually came to enjoy audiobooks from the Conrad Library and the Utah State Library for the Blind & Disabled. He loved spy thrillers and Westerns, especially books by Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffin, and Louis L’Amour.

In his younger years, Merl enjoyed traveling and had plenty of stories to share about his adventures.

 More recently, he twice traveled to Orlando, Florida, visiting Universal Studios and Disney World. He had been looking forward to returning to Universal Studios this spring.

Merl loved Marvel characters, going to the movies, listening to music, YNOP Radio and attending rock concerts across Montana. 

He also had a special love for spaghetti, coffee, chewing gum and playing cards (where he was known to cheat from time to time).

During the summers, Merl enjoyed gardening, horseback riding, and spending time with animals—especially Emma, a loyal Border Collie who had taken him under her wing.

 Merl was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Patrick Rice; and Emma.

 He is survived by his sister, Roberta Stokes (Jim); his nieces, Samantha Massaglia and Stephanie Stokes; and dear friends, Cindy Fuson and her family.

 Per Merl’s wishes, he will be laid to rest next to his mother at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls on Friday, February 7, following his funeral service at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church in Conrad at 10 a.m.

 Pallbearers are Jesse Fuson, Colby Fuson, Tanner Fuson, Ryan Murray, Orlando Rodriguez, and Israel Stringer.

 May Merl rest in peace in the loving arms of Jesus. He is deeply missed and will never be forgotten.