Merle Eugene Olsen, 83

Longtime cattleman Merle E. Olsen, 83, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, died Nov. 13, 2024, at Boundary Community Hospital.

Merle enjoyed years of service on the Idaho Brand Board, in addition to numerous other cattle associations. He liked the comradery of working cattle with various ranchers throughout the summer. He also enjoyed trail riding with friends and participating in Back Country Horsemen groups, fixing trails and packing in supplies for the U.S. Forest Service. 

Merle was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Aug. 21, 1941, to Olaf and Rachel Shields Olsen. He was the oldest of three children. He attended Northside Elementary School, Sandpoint High School and graduated in 1959 from Pasco High School after his parents moved there for work. 

During school, all three kids worked at times for Klicker Strawberry Farm. It’s family legend that Merle once put his dirty sock in a can of strawberries to be processed and that he could back a semi-truck into the loading docks better than the hired adult drivers.

After high school Merle worked in lumber yards and took some classes at Eastern Washington University. He eventually returned to North Idaho doing construction and farm work. Merle married Katherine McCormick on May 11, 1968, and the couple began their farming and ranching career. They started in the Highland Flats, operating a dairy and beef herd for Merle’s uncle, Royal Shields.

Shortly after, they moved to Sunnyside Cutoff where they converted a dairy to a beef operation. In 1973, they bought the home place near Moravia where they had a beef operation and farmed. Later they had a nursery stock business before returning to a cattle and hay operation. 

In 1975, Merle and Kathy, had their daughter Maureen, who shared their love for ranch life, cows and horses. 

Merle held membership and officer positions in many groups including the Bonner-Boundary Cattle Association, Boundary County Farm Bureau, Boundary County Fair Board, Boundary County Soil Conservation Service Committee, North Idaho Cattleman’s Association, Idaho Cattle Association and the Boundary Grazing Association.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister Ethel Olsen.

Merle is survived by daughter Maureen Mai, grandson Dillon Mai, brother Dale (Mary) Olsen and various nieces and a nephew. 

A potluck in honor of Merle is planned for summer. To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.