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Merlin Kieborz Obituary

Merlin Henry Kieborz, 88, passed away on May 9, 2008. Born December 30, 1919 in Litchfield, Nebraska. A Resident of the valley since 1953 he retired from the US Air Force after 22 years, and retired from Lockheed after 15 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, woodworking, card playing and was a loyal servant to his church and country. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Mary Luella Kieborz. Blessed to have two wonderful marriages, he was preceded in death in 1997 by his first wife of 53 years Irene Kieborz. Most important to Merlin were his family, whether nearby or far away. He was a loving and caring husband, father and brother. He is survived by 6 children: Connie Sikkema, Merlin "Dean" and Cathie Kieborz, Ruth and Red Wray, Roger and Suzan Kieborz, Nancy and Jim Lewis and Sona and Walter Scott. 4 Step-children: Maureen and Dan Gunderson, Nancy Ellis and Bobbi and Fr. Tony Carrillo, Jim Lewis mentioned above. Sisters: Gladys Bell and Fern Collins. 23 Grandchildren and 38 Great-Grandchildren. Visitation from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 14th at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15th at St. John's Lutheran Church, 7205 N. 51st Ave., Glendale. Interment at Resthaven Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Hospice Inspiris, St. John's Lutheran Church or Thunderbird Quality Home Care.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from May 13 to May 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Merlin Kieborz

Not sure what to say?





Maureen Gunderson

May 28, 2008

"Fair to Middlin" (Perfectly Blessed)
Dear Merlin,
I have so many wonderful memories of you; your smile, mischievious grin, and chuckle were endearing. I loved the sparkle that you and Mom put in each other's eyes and the way that you always held each other's hand, so tenderly. You were a man of gentle spirit, quiet tenderness, kind hearted, full of strength and courage, and truly devoted to your family, country, and faith in God. What joy to have been one of your step daughters. Not only did you specialize in broken hearts, you were a "fixer" of anything. You took an old, dirty, and grimey oil can that belonged to my Dad, cleaned it up "spiffy" and filled it with fresh oil. What a gift that was to me. It was all wrapped up in a pretty bag. You had heard the rumor that as a kid, my bike left an oil slick because of my constant oiling. I bet you giggled as you cleaned and filled it with fresh oil. I have the oil can in the front-center of my china hutch. Another time my childhood "little" rocking chair got smashed and splintered. You took all the jagged pieces and painstakingly glued, and screwed it all back together again. There's just no way to express by joy and thankfulness to you. It may have been your last "fix it" project in your workshop. What a blessing it was to have it whole again. We also took many trips together using the GPS in the car as we waited at the pharmacy or grocery store while Mom shopped for needed meds and things. We usually went to Nebraska or Montana. You always took your time listening to each one of us before responding back. Your opinions were always fair and gracious. And the many songs you knew was amazing. The last song you sang to me was in response to "I love you Merlin". You sang two whole verses of a song about love. Thanks for accepting and loving us as "your" children. You were a great Dad to us. We miss you and we will treasure our precious memories of you forever. Thank you for making our Mom feel so happy and blessed all the time.
Everyone should be so lucky as to have someone to love, and be loved in return. I know that you are having "Just a closer walk" with the Lord now. And, I know that God met you with "Well done, good and faithful servant". Enjoy your heavenly reward Merlin. We all love you and miss you. Love, Maureen

Bobbi Carrillo

May 17, 2008

Dear Merlin, my dad too. I have known you for a long time. I'm privileged to say that for the past 10 years you have been my father. You have also been husband to Mary, my mother. I thank you for the joy you have given to her and to my family. Yours was a love story right from the beginning and all the way to the end. I was there when you told her that you loved her for the last time. I prayed for a miracle over and over so that you could have more time together. God had other plans. There was an empty spot in heaven that only you could fill. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of you. I will miss you. Say hello to Gina and Theresa and give them my love. Love, Bobbi

Jennifer Varner

May 16, 2008

I had the great pleasure of getting to know Merlin the last 10 years. He made my grandma so happy, after such a sad time in both their lives. My grandma and Merlin were widowed by their spouses around the same time. A friendship emerged out of playing cribbage together. How precious it is to me that after all that they had been through, they fell in love and married. Merlin was such a sweet guy, and especially was so to my grandma. I am honered that I had 10 years to get to know him. There are so many similarities between Merlin and his faith in Jesus. I was asked to place them here so that you may have your own copy:
Merlin loved the great outdoors, and now the Lord maketh him lie down in green pastures, beside still waters. Merlin liked to hunt and fish, and now he is with the Fisher of men. Merlin could fix almost anything, and he has gone to meet the Ultimate Handyman whom repairs, lives, souls, and broken hearts. Merlin liked to work with wood-he is in the presence of the carpenter Jesus. Merlin LOVED singing-there is no doubt that his voice is echoing in Heaven, praising His name. Finally, Merlin had a calming way with children- now he is with his Father, as a precious child of God.

Mary Kieborz

May 16, 2008

Sweetie, thank you for 10 beautiful years together. I know we both had former marriages, but we were meant to be together at this time in our lives. We found that love can be as intense and special in our 80's as in our 20's. I'll miss you with your kind gentle loving ways. Even when you got so sick, you always knew when I came into your room and your eyes would light up. Reading to you at the end and hearing your related stories was a pleasure. Hearing you say I love you every day kept me going.Nothing will ever erase what we felt for each other and some day I will neet you in Heaven.
Your loving wife, Mary

Kitty Lou Rusher

May 15, 2008

A chapter has completed with the death of Merlin. Particular condolences to my sister Luella in the loss of her husband of ten years;to my nephew Jim and his wife Nancy in the loss of their father/father-in-law/step-father and, of course, to the others in the blended family--Sona, Roger, Dean, Connie, Ruth, Maureen, Nancy, and Roberta. Merlin loved you all. I remember especially his optimism. Bless you all.
Kitty Lou

Sona Scott

May 15, 2008

"Daddy" is what I called the most gentle man I've ever known. He gave me much wisdom and love to carry on. I'll miss you but never forget you and all your songs and humor.

(Tammy) Ron, & Libby Pickett

May 14, 2008

Grandpa/Papa Great, we so enjoy your stories and rhymes, your singing, and playing cards with you. Thank you for all these wonderful memories you have left us. I guess it is now time for Grandma to have you back. Please give her a kiss for us also and please know that we miss you both terribly.
With love, Ron & Libby

Tammy Pickett

May 14, 2008

The memories of my Grandpa are only joyful ones. I will miss him tremendously. I am so grateful that Libby had the chance to meet her Papa Great. I know that as she grows and I share memories with her that my words will not do justice for the gentle, fun loving, intelligent and patient man my Grandpa was. Oh, what a voice. I like many in his company enjoyed hearing him sing. Grandpa you will be with me daily in my heart through songs and memories. I love you so much more then I can express in words. Give Grandma a kiss from me.
Love Your Granddaughter,
Tammy

Mike Casey

May 14, 2008

Mr. Kieborz,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USAF-especially during WW II. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Gregory Sikkema

May 14, 2008

My Grandpa Merlin was the strongest, kindest and most gentle man I have ever known. I will miss him here on earth more than I could ever express in words. God bless you Grandpa. Thank you for being such a good role model for me and for the rest of your family.

I love you so very much.

Your grandson,
Gregory

Ric & Mel Hoffman

May 14, 2008

Dearest Friends Sona, Walt & Kids, Nancy, Jim and Family - My deepest sympathy in the passing of "pops." You are all so fortunate to have enjoyed your father for so many years. What a wonderful gift he was to you. God Bless you all and keep you close.

Corky and Shirley Bell

May 14, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to all of Uncle Merlins family. We will most certainly miss his visits with his Nebraska family, his stories and his infectuous smile.
"Jesus walked among us" through you Uncle Merlin
God Bless

Nancy Ellis

May 13, 2008

I'm so grateful to have had Merlin as my Stepdad! I know he & my mom , Mary, were very happy & cherished the last ten years together. He could
brighten any day with a song and a big smile. I'll miss him terribly.

Bev Novalsky

May 13, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the Kieborz family. After our "Lockheed years" Merlin often stopped at my office at Phoenix Baptist Hospital when he was in the area just to say "Hi" and reminisce. He was a very pleasant man who really enjoyed his family.

Neil Zimmer

May 13, 2008

Merlin will be missed a lot by my family. We will miss his visits to Nebraska for the pheasant hunting and fishing that we all enjoyed.
Especiallly the many, many years that we hunted in the Hallam area. My sister Irene was always very supportive of these trips. and good times were had by all of us.

My sister Irene and Merlin are now back together in heaven enjoying each other as they did on earth. "God bless both of them".

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