Dolores M. Merges, 85, of Sioux Falls, passed away on January 8, 2024 at Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Colman, SD. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Colman, SD.

Dolores was born July 11, 1938 to Charles and Barbara Merges in Flandreau, SD. She lived on the family farm near Colman, SD with her parents and two siblings, attending Allen Elementary School through 8th grade where she was salutatorian of her class. Dolores attended high school in Colman and spent her senior year at Mount Marty High School in Yankton, SD. She took business courses of typing and shorthand to assist with her career choice.

In 1957 Dolores landed her first job at Tri-State Electric in Sioux Falls where she started "at the bottom and worked her way up" to office manager and being on the Board of Directors. Dolores retired when Tri-State closed their business in Sioux Falls in 1994.

She was a member of the Sioux Falls Business and Professional Women organization, serving for a time as President. In 1973 she served as Treasurer on the state board.

Dolores was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where she served on the Funeral Committee. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters.

She enjoyed traveling.  A trip to Luxembourg with her Uncle Joe Merges was a highlight in her life. She also loved her furry four-legged feline friends, Tiger and Duncan.

Dolores is survived by her sister, Elaine List of Yankton; sister-in-law Betty Merges, Colman, SD; four nieces and nephews, Kenny (Gale) Merges, Colman; Kathy (Richard) Cernoch, La Grange TX; Roger (Brenda) Merges, Colman, SD; Susan Merges, Sioux Falls, SD; and five special grandnieces; Alicia, Carly, Kelsey, Katie, and Kelli.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents and brother James Merges.