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Mel Merwald Obituary
Nov 11, 1945 – Mar 26, 2012
Preceded in death by parents, Melvin John Merwald, Sr. and Mary Margaret (Cavlovic) Merwald; infant sister Mary. Survived by brother Jerry (Karen) Merwald of Omaha; sister Pat (Gene) Cole of Kansas City, MO; brother Frank Merwald of Los Angeles, CA; sister Janie (Harry, Jr.) Hoch of Grand Island, NE; nieces and nephews: Beth (Hector) Rivera, Jay, Theresa (fiancé Jeff Wright), Matthew (Christin) Merwald, Laura (Andrew) Logue, Harry Hoch III, Melissa (Tyler) Laflin, Michael (Megan) Hoch; grandnieces and grandnephews: Javier and Mario Rivera, Madeline, Andrew Jr. and Mackenzie Logue.
Memorials to Catholic Charities, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. VISITATION begins Wednesday, 2pm to 4pm at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with ROSARY at 4pm. VISITATION resumes after Rosary with VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Thursday, 11am, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church; principal celebrant, Archbishop George J. Lucas. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 402-391-3900
www.heafeyheafey.com
Memories and Condolences
for Mel Merwald
Jim Merwald
April 2, 2012
Jerry, Pat, Frank & Janie,
Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. The world is a much better place for having Fr. Mel lived here. At this time of sorrow and grieving, I hope you have been able to also celebrate Mel's life and all the good times you had and the joy he brought into so many peoples' lives.
Patty Lain
April 1, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Pat and her family. My thought and prayers are with all of you.
Jean Zagozda
April 1, 2012
Father Mel had a profound influence on my spiritual formation when he was at St. Stanislaus, not only through his homilies, but also discussions we had, which, even decades later, I recall quite clearly because his comments and questions were insightful and challenging. Even though the discussions were always brief, the depth of his relationship with God was evident, and I so admired that about him. I will always be grateful to him for what he taught me and what I learned about God by reflecting on the theological questions Father Mel would pose to me. He was a wonderful priest. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I know God welcomed him into Heaven with open arms.
Michelle and Jerry Altilio
March 31, 2012
Father Mel has touched the lives of so many people. When you were with him you never felt you were with a priest, you felt like he was just a great person that was always fun-loving and caring. A truly great man and a truly great priest.
Michele Dempsey
March 29, 2012
On behalf of the staff of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Omaha, we offer our prayers and condolences. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sincerely,
March 29, 2012
I admired Father Mel's steady, gentle, good humored leadership at a wonderful parish that enriched our 13 years in Omaha.
Lou Cartier, Greeley, CO
March 29, 2012
Family of Father Mel Father Mel and I had so many great times golfing, dinning and just being together
one of the best is when I gave Fr
a photo of his dad fishing with me in
canada back in the 60s
seems like yesterday. It is great to have great famlies as the Merwald's
god bless all of you.
Glen&Marilynn Palmer
Sister Margaret Buchta
March 29, 2012
Father Mel's Family: You know so well how compassionately Father Mel lived his life. After the Rosary, a SMM parishoner commented "He was a real shepherd". So true! His presence at my mother's funeral, held at Holy Name, will forever be held lovingly in my heart! You are all in my prayers as you travel through your journies of grieving his loss.
Kathleen & Tom Cullinan
March 28, 2012
Fr. Mel literally inspired my faith journey, was a rock of faith when Kathleen's nephew and sister-in-law passed away, and was a teacher of faith through his common sense homilies we heard over the years. We knew him to have what we hope all priests might project -- great humility and a complete love of Jesus. Fr. Mel was known by his wonderful works, and we offer our deepest sympathies to his family and all who mourn for this servant of God. God bless Fr. Mel and his legacy that lives on in Christ.
March 28, 2012
You were an inspiration to me at Catholic Charities, and a friend. You will be missed by so many. May the Perpetual Light Shine Upon You Always.
Bill Bade
Ryan Harrison
March 28, 2012
Thank You so much doing my Grandma's funeral at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church on April 4, 1997.
Gerianne Jensen
March 28, 2012
To Fr. Mel's family: He was an important part of our lives at SMM. He buried my father 15 years ago (and was with him when he died), he married me and my husband almost 14 years ago, and he baptized both of our kids. I typed a letter to him over the weekend with new pictures of the kids and mailed it Monday morning, not knowing that he had already died. We will miss him. Our prayers are with your family.
The Jensen Family
Tom, Gerianne, J.P., and Clare
Sister Donata Landkamer
March 28, 2012
May the Lord surround you with his love and hold you tight as you say goodbye to Father Mel. Pat, it has been a long time since I have seen you. I am now at Mercy Villa in Omaha. God bless all of you.Sister Donata
March 28, 2012
Father Mel will be missed by so many people he touched, including my family. Rest in peace. Bobby Decker.
Dan Schinzel
March 28, 2012
Kindness, humility and compassion defined Fr. Merwald. Kim and I were blessed to have Fr Merwald marry us and baptize our children. The Schinzel family will miss him greatly.
Dan and Kim Schinzel
Chris, Mary, Matt, Clare and John
Pam McNamara
March 28, 2012
Fr. Merwald celebrated mass for residents while he lived at Brookestone Meadows, for most of 2011. My mother Priscilla lived at Brookestone during this time. He brought much peace and comfort to Brookestone's Catholic residents with his pithy, no-frills, authentic sermons. He ministerd to those in need until the end.
Thank you Fr. Merwald for helping my mother and my family during a difficult time. May God's light now shine upon you with etnernal rest and everlasting love.
Sincerely, Pam McNamara & Family
Lisa Hubschman-Quinn
March 28, 2012
Dear Fr. Mel,
I was so sadden to hear of your passing. You have always inspired me with your love, understanding and kindness through out my entire life. I've known you since I was a little girl and you have always touched my heart my whole life. Your knowledge , love and faith have helped me grow. You will always be a part of my life and I asked that you watch over me and my children up in heaven and continue to guide us through life and love with your spirit. You will be greatly missed .
Much love and rest in peace Fr. Mel
Love and God bless you always,
Lisa Hubschman Quinn and Children Julia , Jimmy, Joe and Jack
March 28, 2012
Very sorry about Father Mel. He was a very good priest and man. Will miss him reminiscing about living in Holy Cross parish and about Father Applebaum. Rest in peace.
Father Mel, thanks for being such a great friend to me and my family
Jill Peters
March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012
Thank- you dear Fr.Mel,all the beautiful things you did for my family...what a gentle, kind, man..and indeed very holy. My prayers to Sr.Faustina,for your beautiful soul during this Holy Easter season,,and my prayers for your beautiful loving family..to our Lord for their comfort and peace....I love you Fr. Mel
WARREN REYNOLDS II
March 28, 2012
FAMILY OF FR. MERWALD,
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF FR.MEL I KNEW HIM FROM ST.JAMES AND ST MARGRET MARY CHURCH .
NOW HE IN GOD HAND .
I GONNA MISS YOU FR MEL GOD BLEESS!!!
March 28, 2012
I will always remember Fr. Mel when he was there for my sister and her young sons when her husband passed away suddenly in Columbus, Nebraska. That was over 21 years ago. God bless you Fr. Mel, you've left a lasting impression on our family.
The Knight Family
Anne Clark
March 27, 2012
"Love does not measure, it just gives." Mother Teresa Fr. Mel always gave - no matter who, no matter the circumstance. I will always remember and cherish the love he gave while he was the Pastor at SMM. Fr. Mel, you will always live in my heart and my prayers.
David Silhasek
March 27, 2012
To the family of Father Mel,
Very sorry to hear about Father Mel.My thought and prayers are with you all.The memories that we shared as neighbors will never be forgotten.When we talk about the good old days those were the good old days.May God bless you and give you strength during this time.
Rod & Mary Kay Jensen
March 27, 2012
Fr. Mel brought a kind, gentle, and compassionate spirit to St. Wenceslaus. Heaven is richer with him there.
anne raynor
March 27, 2012
I am deeply saddened with the loss of my friend, shepherd and Pastor.
My loving sympathy to Fr. Mel's beautiful family.
I will be praying for all of you!
Mrs. Dennis Raynor (Anne)
Mike & Jodie Nolan
March 27, 2012
Fr. Mel Merwald was an inspiration to all that knew him. His deep seated religious beliefs, commanding oratory , value based decency and common sense served well all those who came into contact with him. We are all better for having known him. He will be missed as a priest, leader and good friend to many.
Go with God, my friend.
Mike & Jodie Nolan, Omaha
Don Schinzel
March 27, 2012
To the family of Fr Mel
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Fr Mel was very special to me during his time at St Margaret Mary. He had a knack of making you feel good about yourself. I will miss him.
Don Schinzel
Catherine Foley
March 27, 2012
Can't say enough good things about Fr. Mel, he will be missed. Sending love and prayers through this difficult time.
Lisa Burke
March 27, 2012
To the family of Fr. Merwald: Our deepest sympathies for your loss of a wonderful man and priest. Lisa M. Burke on behalf of Thomas R. and Barbara Burke
Kate Dargy Domayer
March 27, 2012
To the family of Fr.Mel Merwald,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Fr.Mel. He was a close family friend of ours.I remember his warm, friendly smile upon his face when I would see him at my parents' home.
When Fr. was DX with Parkinsons I had
some contact with him about PD.You see
I have Young Onset PD. I truly wanted
to visit with father but was unable to do so.
He truly was one special priest! Know I will be praying so God will provide you strength to deal with your loss in these upcoming days.God Bless all of you.
Rest in Peace Fr.Merwald ~
In Friendship & With Prayers,
Kate Dargy Domayer
Lorraine Boyd
March 27, 2012
To the family,
My husband Thom Corritore and I are so very sorry to hear of Father Mel's passing. It is a great loss to the Catholic community and to all his many friends. We loved having him at St. Margaret Mary's and have missed him since he left. I know he had physical challenges after he left, but I thought they had improved. Again, we are so sad, although we do know he is in heaven now. We send our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Julie Maloney
March 27, 2012
To my dear cousin Father Mel, you will be missed greatly! Your love, laughter and service to others will be greatly missed. To Jerry, Patty, Frankie, and Janie, your brother Mel was an amazing priest and will be greatly missed by so many people. Love to you all, and God Bless! Julie & Phil, Alyson, Theresa, and Bridgid Maloney
Jeanne & Robb Spence
March 27, 2012
To the family of Fr. Mel,
It's never easy saying goodbye to someone like Fr. Mel and we can't begin to know what you are going through. He touched the lives of so many with his wisdom, his humor, and his deep faith and didn't lose that when we visited at Brookstone either. Thank you for sharing him with us at St. Margaret Mary! We're keeping you all in our prayers.
Jim Kresnik
March 27, 2012
Fr. Merwald was such a great person. I'm glad we had him at Sts. Peter & Paul as long as we did. Without a doubt he had the firmest handshake of any priest I have ever met. Rest in peace, Fr. Mel.
Diane Starns
March 27, 2012
To the family of Father Mel,
We were very sorry to hear about Father Mel. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you, Joel, Diane, Halle and Nick Starns
March 27, 2012
Merwalds--Our neighborhood was blessed to have your family in it and to have Fr. Mel as a member. He saw us through family events ranging from weddings to funerals. He will continue to guide his "flock", only now with the advice of the Almighty close at hand. Feeling your pain...
Jean Haven
March 27, 2012
With much fondness and many prayers I will be thinking of all of the Merwalds as Father Mel watches down on us from heaven with all of the other family who preceded him.
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