Merle Elaine (Cameron) Wieland was born the third daughter of Roy and Alma (Nordgard) Cameron at Antler, ND, May 2, 1938. Merle attended school at Antler and was a letter winner in basketball in high school.
Merle was married to Howard A. Leben, Sr. at Mohall, ND on Jan. 29, 1955. Their union was blessed with four children: Howard Jr., Rhonda, Wayne and Joel. The family lived primarily in Bismarck and West Fargo. Merle’s sisters, LaVerne Jensen (Otto) and Marilyn Stead (James) – Bigwood (Archie) and their children remained important throughout Merle’s life. During this time Merle enjoyed her sister’s growing families and all of us “Cameron Cousins” spent time together in our youth.
Merle was a homemaker and businesswoman having attended business college in Fargo and obtaining her realtor license. Merle married Alon Wieland on Jan. 12, 1979, and they co-founded and owned A&M Appraisal Company in West Fargo. During the 1984-85 season, Merle was one of the West Fargo Bowling League Doubles Champions. Merle and Alon worked together at A&M until their retirement. They maintained their residence in West Fargo and spent several winters in Arizona and Nevada.
Merle died on Jan. 26, 2023, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley while living in the Eventide Home in West Fargo, ND. Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Cameron and Alma (Nordgard) Cameron; Her ex-husband Howard Leben Sr. , and her second husband, Alon Wieland. Of great sorrow to Merle was the death of her daughter Rhonda Elaine Leben in young adulthood. Merle was also preceded in death by her sisters, LaVern and Marilyn.
Merle is survived by sons Howard JR, West Fargo, Wayne (Marva), Jamestown ND, and Joel, Casselton, ND. Grandsons Tyler, New Orleans, LA, Kent (Kirsten) daughters Lucinda and Josephine, Bismarck, ND, Cameron (Amanda) daughters Sedona and Aila, Pueblo, CO.
Stepdaughters Susie (Bobby) Carrillo, Parachute, CO, Lori (John) Brokofsky, Burnsville, MN, Shari (Jeff Classen) Neece, Moorhead, MN, Lisa (Michael) Crew, step-grandchildren Shannon Stagner and family, Shaun VanDyke and family, Eric Brokofsky and family, Brian Brokofsky and family, Ian Crew. Two sisters-in-law Kathy Bazz, Littleton CO and Bobbi (Truman) King, Parker CO, and their families.
Memorial Service: Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. in West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, ND, with visitation held one hour prior to her service at the West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center.
