Merlin C. Pfeifer

Merlin C. Pfeifer, 68, a local businessman for many years, passed away on Sunday evening, February 1, 2026, at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington ND.

Funeral Services for Merlin will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with his brother-in-law Ken Kirchenwitz officiating. Burial will be in the spring at the Meldahl Cemetery, rural Center Point, South Dakota.

Merlin C. Pfeifer was born on July 15, 1957, in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Harold and Margaret (Penner) Pfeifer. He grew up in the Langdon, ND area, attended Langdon Public School and graduated from Langdon High School with the class of 1975. He continued his education at the NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND earning degrees in both Electronics and Communications.

Merlin was an active member of the Devils Lake Jaycees and while attending an event he met Janine Hansen who was an active member of the Bismarck Jaycees. That chance meeting turned into dating, which led to their marriage on October 13, 1990, in Viberg, South Dakota. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked, and raised their son Bradley.

After graduating from NDSCS, Merlin immediately put his electronics skills to work with the North Dakota Department of Transportation maintaining their radio systems. Eventually Merlin became the owner and operator of his own business, North Plains Communications. He handled many different forms of communication equipment including 2-way radios, CB’s, bag phones, satellite dishes and more.

Merlin had a special attachment to the land. As his part-time job through the years, he farmed with his dad, then his brothers, and later his son. He also did custom combining with family for several years.

Merlin has battled Parkinsons with courage and strength for many years. He felt blessed to have the love and support of Janine and Brad through all his health challenges.

Merlin was a quiet man, intense and serious when it came to his work ethic. He could fix anything electronic with great skill. He was a man equally at home with circuits and soil.

Merlin’s loving family includes his wife, Janine; son Bradley Pfeifer, (Sarah Paulson) Devils Lake; grandson Benson, Beau, and Braelin; brother Wayne (Pat) Pfeifer, Lincoln, ND; sister Corrine (Ken) Kirchenwitz, Dent MN; brother-in-law Craig (Dee) Hansen, Irene SD; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was reunited with his parents, brother Marvin Pfeifer and in-laws Allen and Janet Hansen.