Merrill Howling Wolf Sr., 44, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, in Mandaree, North Dakota.

Merrill Davis Howling Wolf Sr. “AsakaáAtiKoosáaRH” (High Star)

Merrill was born on October 17, 1980, to Eldora Poitra and Dennis Howling Wolf Sr. He graduated from Poplar, MT. Merrill attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, NM, where he became a certified correctional officer. Throughout Merrill’s life he worked a few different jobs. He worked as a Seasonal Fire Fighter in the State of Montana, he worked at the Juvenile Detention Center in Poplar, MT, he worked as a BIA/Tribal Cop on the Ft. Peck Reservation, he worked at West Segment’s Maintenance, he also worked at Mandaree School as a Special Education Paraprofessional. He was a people person and enjoyed talking to people. Doc was left-handed which gave him an advantage at sports, because most people are right-handed. Doc enjoyed playing Basketball, Coaching, Fundamental Basketball Skills, and watching North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball games. Doc loved his family dearly. He enjoyed going on family outings and celebrations with his wife and children. He had many friends and always liked visiting with his bros. He was a lifelong learner of our Native ways and enjoyed listening to stories.

Merrill is survived by his wife Yvonne Howling Wolf; daughter, Natayla Howling Wolf; sons Rylan Howling Wolf, Merill Howling Wolf Jr. & Dezmond Howling Wolf; mother Eldora Poitra; mother in law Arden Boxer; brothers Robert Grady, Dennis Howling Wolf Jr & Duane Howling Wolf; sisters Mary Ellen Sun & Denise Howling Wolf; aunts Brenda Poitra, Clarice Howling Wolf, Diane Howling Wolf, Diane Mongram, Debbie Dickens, Donna Poitra, Prairie Rose, TaShina, Dakota Seminole & Jeanine Spotted Horse; uncles Fred Poitra, Julius Poitra Jr. & Elton Spotted Horse; and too many cousins, sisters & brothers to mention. He had so many loved ones, if we forgot to mention anyone, please know it was not our intention.

Merrill is proceeded in death by his brother Kyle Grady Sr.; father Dennis Howling Wolf Sr.; maternal grandparents Marie Seminole & Julius Poitra Sr.; and paternal Grandparents Dan & Mabel Howling Wolf.