Mike Mergenthal

Mike Mergenthal, age 62 of Panama City, Florida passed peacefully in his sleep Sunday, May 11th among his friends. In his last year Mike rose above a challenge that had haunted his entire life, and he spent his last year gladly serving and leading others at the Panama City Rescue Mission, helping them find the freedom that he had found. A beloved cook and house dad, he will be missed by residents and staff alike.
Mike was born March 1st, 1963 in Panama City, FL. His parents were Paul William Mergenthal and Sylvia Diane Irvin and his brothers were Paul and David Mergenthal.
An accomplished cook, Mike started his culinary career at the Boar's Head restaurant and subsequently worked at Canopies and Salt Water Grill. He ultimately opened Mergenthal's Bistro which he owned and ran. But the pinnacle of his career was on the American-European Express out of Chicago. Mike's service as a dining car steward on American-European Express met the high standards of a restaurant rated among the top ten places in the United States to have dinner and added to the experience a unique informality that the passengers universally appreciated. He was comfortable with all who sat at his tables, including such well-known celebrities as Paul Newman, JoAnn Woodward, and Bill Murray. Mike reprised his role as "server-in-chief" at 30 Degree Blue at Bay Point and contributed to that restaurant's stature as one of the top one hundred in the country when Distinguished Restaurants of North America awarded it that title. Through all of this, Mike was adding to the comfort of those around him, those he served, and those he worked with, while struggling with his own demons.
Mike loved cooking and took great pride in his service to his clients. On his off time he loved to go to Shell Island and play the occasional round of golf.
Mike is survived by his daughter Georgia Elena, his stepbrother Michael Tidwell and his cousins Brian and Ross Mergenthal. His ex-wife Victoria Jane pre-deceased him on Jan 17, 2023. His parents Paul and Sylvia Mergenthal also passed away and his two brothers, David and Paul Mergenthal, also pre-deceased him.
There will be a celebration of life in Mike's honor at 3pm Sunday at the Panama City Rescue Mission at 609 Allen Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Panama City Rescue Mission.
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