Fertile – Muret Berhow, 99, Fertile, died Monday, December 19, 2016 at Pioneer Memorial Care Center, Erskine.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile. Burial was held at Varnes Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile.
Muret Carrol Berhow was born to Oliver (August) and Alma (Overland) Berhow on May 20, 1917 in Liberty township northwest of Fertile. He was the oldest of seven children.
Muret was baptized and confirmed at Varnes Lutheran Church, Liberty Township. He attended Lakeview School and Liberty School near Fertile. As a child he was an avid hunter and trapper.
While a young man Muret farmed with his parents NW of Fertile. During the depression, at 17 years of age, he left home for 3 years to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) and in 1942 at the age of 24 he joined the United States Navy. Muret sailed on the USS Joseph Hewes, USS LST 173, and USS Waukesha. He survived the sinking of the Joseph Hewes during an attack at Casablanca and hid along the shore of Africa until being rescued. Muret did tours taking him to Africa, Italy, France, England, Hawaii, Okinawa and the Philippines. While on the USS Waukesha he was present for the Japanese surrender and participated in the occupation of Nagasaki, Japan after the atomic bomb was dropped there. He was honorably discharged on February 28, 1946 with the rank of Chief Ship Fitter.
While on leave in Washington, DC he met Dorothy Pilger. They married in 1946 and made their home on the family farm NW of Fertile. Here they raised two daughters, Patrice and Terese. Muret was active in Varnes Church his entire life. Muret also served on the Fertile Beltrami Schoolboard, and was an active member of the National Farmers Organization.
Muret had a knack for problem solving, designing, and building things. One of his favorite projects was a functioning four wheel drive tractor made from scratch. His retirement found him enjoying his projects in the shop. Muret especially loved his wife Dottie and his kids and grandkids, often telling them he loved them more than they’d ever know. He was thrilled to get to know his great-granddaughters Louisa and Eva in his very old age. He also loved his nieces and nephews, friends, his Norwegian descent, and farm life. Building things in his shop, visiting with friends or family, telling a good story, and making new acquaintances were his favorite pastimes.
Muret is survived by his daughters Pat Wilson (Jim), Terry Hest (Jim); grandchildren: Michael Wilson, Katherine Wilson, Ben Hest (Kelsey); two great-granddaughters, Louisa and Eva Hest; nieces, nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Muret was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, father August, and mother Alma; Siblings: Burnice (Elden) Engelstad, Marvin (Stella) Berhow, Carna (Ward) Trager, (Bill Russell), DeLoris (Don) Doak, Arlene (Bill) Blewett, Leon (Corrine) Berhow. Nephews and nieces: Gary Doak, Alex and Bob Toebbe, Kelly and Dianne Engelstad, Wayne Berhow, and one Grandnephew: Chris Doak.
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