Lois (Snortland) and John Mercer, both 87, passed away one hour apart, after 68 years of marriage on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota, ND.

Lois was born on July 14, 1938 and John was born on January 5, 1939.

Lois and John are survived by their daughter, Mary (Dennis) Mattern, Lakota; grandson, Keith (Jamie) Mercer, Grand Forks, ND; granddaughter, Amy (Eric) Justice, Wasilla, AK; great-grandchildren, Tayla Mercer, Nicholas Justice and Addison Justice; and many nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by their parents, Engolf and Mae (Nilep) Snortland, and Leslie and Sarah (Ackerman) Mercer; son, Allan Mercer; grandsons, Steven Mattern and Michael Christenson; Lois’s siblings, Roger, Ethel, Marlys and Robert; and John’s siblings, Don and Doris.

To honor Lois and John’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to the Lakota City Library, PO Box 307, Lakota, ND 58344 or the Nelson County Sheriff K-9 Program, 210 W. B Ave Suite 102, Lakota, ND 58344.