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Nile Dwayne Merchant
Nile Dwayne Merchant
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Nile Merchant Obituary
Nile was born Feb. 28, 1955, in Traverse City, to Imogene and "Roscoe" Dwayne Merchant. The family moved to Elk Rapids in 1968, where he met his wife-to-be.
After graduation from Elk Rapids High School in 1973, Nile and Therese "Terry" Diane (Gretel) were married on July 26, 1974, and quickly grew into a family of five.
Around the same time, Nile began working as a machinist for Star Cutter, later moving to Sun Cutter, where he worked for 24 years. In addition, Nile spent 15 years farming cherries in the area and took over his parents' farm full-time in 1994.
Although he was a busy man, Nile always had time for his family and friends. He was always extremely involved in his kids' academic and athletic events. He also coached 7th and 8th grade football for Elk Rapids for 13 years, becoming a highly respected and beloved member of the community.
Other interests include a passion for the outdoors, an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He will be sadly missed by so many.
Nile is survived by his wife, Terry; son, Josh (Treasa); son, Jason (Mary); daughter, Erin; granddaughter, Reagann; grandson, Gavyn; brother, Ray (Jill); brother, Mike; sister, Julia Tilton of Florida; sister, Sue (Mike) Clauss of Florida; many nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Visitation for friends and family is scheduled for Sunday, April 22, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church on Wanigan Drive in Elk Rapids. The funeral service will follow immediately at 3 p.m., also at Grace Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Elk Rapids and/or Pulmonary Fibrosis Association.
Arrangments have been entrusted to the Elk Rapids Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lou Anna Valentine
May 5, 2007
My friend Terry and the entire Merchant family,
My heart goes out to you as I learn of your loss just today. Words cannot express the feelings and emotions I have for you and yours. May God bless and keep you all while the newest angel watches over you with smiles of pride and love and peace. Always remember:
He did not die.
as he is the sparkle to the snow
the warmth of the sun on your face
the cool of an afternoon rain
the wind lifting your hair
and the whisper that you will hear
when you need it most.
oh friends do not cry, for he did not die.
In caring with truest of hearts,
Lou Anna Valentine
Okeechobee, FL
Joanie Tress
May 2, 2007
Terry, Josh, Jason & Erin,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you on your loss. Nile,Josh and Jason all coached our son Josh in 7th, 8th and 9th grade football. Nile was a great person and will be missed very much. We hope that all of your good memories help you through this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Mike and Joanie Tress
Debbie Rhoads
April 30, 2007
Dear Terry & Family,
Randy & I express our condolences to you and your family. We didn't know Nile that well, but remember him as being a kind man. Our son, Cory McCormick, a registered nurse, worked at Munson Medical Center about 2 years ago and he visited Nile during his hospitalization. They had a nice visit; Cory has fond memories of Nile.
May God Bless you,
Randy & Debbie Rhoads
Mitzi, Marty, Meghan and Carson Karcher
April 28, 2007
Terry and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May your sorrows be replaced with memories of good times.
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Jason Veliquette
April 26, 2007
I was saddened when I heard the news this week. Nile was a great man, and the foundation of a strong family. The impact he had on so many of our lives was a great one, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dan Kranz
April 23, 2007
Merchant family- my deepest condolences for your loss. May we all find the courage that Nile had when facing adversity. Celebrate the time we shared, and knowing that he is now in a better place.
Melinda Schaub
April 22, 2007
Terry,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Nile was such a wonderful person. It was always such a pleasure to take care of him.
LeeAnn Fisher
April 22, 2007
Terry,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your whole family. May god bless you and comfort you.
Mary Toteff
April 22, 2007
Dear Merchant Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Skibbe's
April 22, 2007
Dear Merchant Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your loved ones. May God Bless you and your family during this very hard time.
Henrietta Fabatz
April 21, 2007
Merchant family - my thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been many years since I have seen Niles but I always remember how nice he was to me. God Bless
Pat, Karen, Katie & Matt Miller
April 21, 2007
Dear Terry, Josh, Jason & Erin,
We were so sorry to hear about your sudden loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
John Boals
April 21, 2007
My deepest sympathy in Nile's passing. May the memories of Nile's love of family, sense of humor, and strength in the face of illness help to console you in this time of loss.
Amy and Mike Beehler (Young)
April 20, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys - Sadie Hubbell
Zach Amos
April 20, 2007
Terry, Josh, Jason and Erin, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Niles was a person who meant a lot to me and was someone who I owe a lot to for helping get me started with my football career. Niles got me started with football in the seventh grade and continued to follow me throughout my high school career. If it were not for Niles, I probably would not be playing football today and would never have gotten the chance know him and his family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and all of your family.
Jon Hoover
April 20, 2007
Dear Terry, Josh, Jason and Erin,
My love and prayers go out to each of you and your dear families. Beyond what modern medicine was able to do for Nile during his illness, your love and prayers were always that which sustained him best. He will be remembered for the legacy of goodness and kindness to family and friends and the community he gave so much to. May the good Lord bless you and watch over you and grant you the knowledge and peace that comes with knowing you will be reunited with him again at some future day.
Warmly,
Jon Hoover
Johnathan and Amy Lein
April 20, 2007
Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly (Balls) Plucinski
April 20, 2007
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember your dad at our basketball games yelling "Kelly's open." He was an amazing man and I have no doubt that his legacy will live through each and every one of you. I love you guys...he will be dearly missed.
Don, Max, Keli, Hunter
April 20, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Munson Home Medical Equipment
April 20, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Helen Inman
April 20, 2007
Dear Terry and Family: We are deeply sorry to hear of Nile's passing. May God be with all of you during this time of sorrow, yet we can be assured that he is in a better place and we will see him again.
We always enjoyed the many visits with Nile when he would stop not only just to place his order but to sit and visit awhile at Wilbur Ellis. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dale,Maryann,Duane,Helen,Leo,Art and Tiffany
Chris & Janet Hubbell
April 20, 2007
Terry, Josh, Jason and Erin: We had no idea that Nile was hospitalized. We are so, so sorry. Although it is hard to imagine - after TIME all the terrible memories will be replaced by all your wonderful memories and great times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carl and Sally Heitmeyer
April 20, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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