Hubert "Merle" Vandeberg

Hubert “Merle” Vandeberg, 82, of Mandan, passed away peacefully at his home on April 21, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan at 10:30am. Rite of Committal will take place at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Weigel Funeral Home from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, with a Parish Vigil at 6:00 PM. Cremation will take place after the prayer service at the funeral home. Family will receive the public one hour prior to the service at Spirit of Life.

Hubert “Merle” was born on November 29, 1943, and was the son of Hubert and Marie (Hammer) Vandeberg. He attended school in Velva, ND and graduated in 1961. He joined the Marines and served for 3½ years.

In 1990, Merle met the love of his life, Lorraine Berger, while working at Cloverdale Meats in Mandan. The two of them were inseparable, life partners. They were blessed to have 35 wonderful years together. One of their favorite times of day was at night. When they would climb into bed together, they would scratch each other’s backs and talk about their day. They even had a rhyming game they would play to see who could outsmart the other one.

One of the many joys in Merle’s life were his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time making memories with all of them. He will be missed by all of his children; Donna (Danny), Rocky, Marc, Corey (Jill), Clint (Jacob); grandchildren; Justin, Sierra (Boyd), Emma, Henery; great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Cam; and special friend, Stacey. As well as his siblings, Bonnie (Richard), Jane (Marty), Debbie, and Chester; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Merle was one of the best meat cutters around. He worked in many different meat lockers and meat packing plants throughout his career. It was truly impressive to watch him debone a deer. He retired from his 20-year career from Cloverdale Meats in Mandan.

Merle was always up for an adventure. He spent a lot of time fishing and camping at Lake Sakakawea and in Pollock, SD. One of his favorite memories was when he caught his prized Northern at Lake Sakakawea. Many of his family and friends would say that their favorite memories would involve Merle.

In the later years, Merle and Lorraine spent many hours playing pinochle. They first joined the Golden Age Club 7 years ago. They made many great friends playing cards, specifically at the Moose. Merle’s infectious personality and his fun-loving demeanor helped him make friends very easy. He always had a joke and he loved to make people laugh. Throughout his life he had some illnesses, some that would land him in the hospital. While in the hospital, he never let his sense of humor fade, many times picking on the nurses. Merle was also an avid reader and loved to learn new things. His favorite book was “Computers for Dummies.” He had it next to him most of the time. He was always a quick study! (or not!)

Merle will be missed by all who knew him. His life-partner, Lorraine, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many close family and friends. He will leave a void in the lives of all who loved and knew him.