Merlin "Ed" Stambaugh, 67, of Custer, died Tuesday, September 8, 2020 in his home.

Ed was born April 3, 1953 in Rushville, Illinois, the son of Merlin and Louesia Stambaugh. He was raised on the family farm in Brown County, Illinois and educated at Brown County High School. There he met Kathy Garwood, the love of his life.

Ed and Kathy were united in marriage on April 14, 1973 at LaGrange Chapel in Versailles, Illinois. They made their home in rural Brown County before moving to Glenburn, North Dakota, where they raised their three girls. Ed was a skilled carpenter who could build and fix anything. He was an asset at Mattson Construction Company for over 30 years and retired in 2015. Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with friends and family.

In retirement, Ed and Kathy moved to Custer, South Dakota where they enjoyed touring the Black Hills on Ed's 2012 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited.

Ed's loving family includes: his wife of 47 years, Kathy Stambaugh, Custer, SD.

Three siblings: Alice (Ralph) Dolezal, San Pierre, IN; Norma Bereuter, Paradise, TX; Darrell (Chris) Stambaugh, Glenburn, ND.

Three children: Christine (Alan) Bettis, Roodhouse, IL; Katherine Roberts, Seattle, WA; Betty (Jeff) Pospisil, Mitchell, SD.

Eight grandchildren: Zoey, Halie, Zachary, Lexi, Liam, Ella, Alyvia and Gus.

Four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents.

Service and Visitation: At Ed's request, there will not be a service or visitation.