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FUNERAL HOME

Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary and Crematory

1625 North High Street

Lakeport, California

Kevin Merchen Obituary

Kevin Merchen Kevin Merchen (30) passed away of natural causes while at home on Monday, November 25, 2013. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Despite a lengthy battle with health issues, Kevin never lost his inspiring work ethic and spirit for life. While his family and friends grieve their loss, they rejoice in his life. Kevin was an avid sportsman and an accomplished gunsmith. His quick wit, broad smile, and sly laugh often accompanied his perfect shot, whether that shot was with a ball or rifle. A fan of anything fast, Kevin enjoyed everything with wheels and spending time with the people he loved. Born on May 8, 1983, Kevin is survived by his father, Joe Merchen, and mother, Elaine Merchen (Claunch); his brother, Michael Merchen, and wife, Heidi Merchen (Reinstein); and sister, Tracie Cotteleer (Merchen), and husband, Christopher Cotteleer. Kevin is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Alexis (12), Caitlin (9), Zander (8), and Ryan (7); his grandad, Bernard Merchen, and his grandma, Agnes Claunch (Knox); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Laura Elaine Merchen; grandmother, Joyce Merchen (Spencer), and grandfather, Elmer Claunch. "At the time the young man finally rested, the people wept. In time, the people remembered the quality of the man and rejoiced that they were witness to his life and, that all life was better for him having been part of it." Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary (1625 North High Street, Lakeport, CA 95453) followed by burial at Upper Lake Cemetery. For further information call Chapel of the Lakes at 263-0357 or 994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com. Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lake County Record-Bee from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Merchen

Sponsored by everlasting memories of Kevin.

86 Entries

Lynda and Mike Lloyd

November 23, 2019

Missing you so much.....

Tracie Cotteleer

November 25, 2015

Tracie Cotteleer

November 25, 2015

Tracie Cotteleer

November 25, 2015

Tracie Cotteleer

November 25, 2015

Tracie Cotteleer

November 25, 2015

Mike

November 25, 2014

Elaine and Joe,
It's been a year and there is not a day I don't think about Kevin. We miss him so much and I miss the smile. Our thoughts are with you and we'll always be there for you guys.

Annie Pivniska-Petrie

July 15, 2014

Dear Joe, Elaine, Mike & Tracy,

I just learned about Kevin's passing last weekend and I was shocked when I heard the news. My heart goes out to your beautiful family. I remember Kevin as a young boy who looked up to Mike so much. Looking through the photo gallery, it looks like he grew up to be a handsome and gentle man. May his spirit live on in his nieces and nephews.

With heartfelt condolences,
Annie Pivniska-Petrie

January 25, 2014

Jennifer Cotteleer

December 27, 2013

Elaine and Joe,

During this first holiday season without Kevin, I hope that the sadness you feel is balanced by the memories that come from the love and delight he had for his family...especially for his nieces and nephew. I am sure from the times I saw him with Caitlin and Ryan that they will always carry the memory of Uncle Kev ready for sports action...both in the yard and cheering from the couch.

December 22, 2013

Sarah Lubecki

December 20, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Kevin's passing. We went to school together from kindergarten through high school and I remember him as being extremely funny and kind. My heart goes out to the Merchen family and I'll always remember Kevin and his contagious smile.

Patty Penn

December 19, 2013

May God's love comfort & keep you during this difficult time

ron jackson

December 12, 2013

Joe and Elaine, nothing I can say to ease your pain. I am just so sorry reading this. My heart goes out to your whole family.

Ray and Carlene Willard

December 10, 2013

Joe and Elaine,

Our hearts ached when we heard of the loss of your son.

We will keep you in our prayers as you go through this painful time.

Deborah McKinley Bills

December 5, 2013

Joe, Elaine and Family,
It is so hard to find the words to say that may offer any type of comfort. My heart breaks for you. I pray that you all find comfort in knowing you will be together again someday and that Kevin is doing God's work now! He is gone from here but never forgotten. Hold onto your memories and cherish the time you had together. God Bless my dear friends....

gino lovati

December 5, 2013

Beautiful service yesterday for Kevin. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.

Mike Brown

December 5, 2013

The staff at Lucerne Elementary will always remember your warm smile and gentle ways. The fields and courts here were well worn by your excellent athletic ability. You will be in our hearts forever.

Tim & Stefanie Noble

December 4, 2013

Merchen Family,
We have nothing but great memories from school & sports with Kevin. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Jeff and Stephanie Stith

December 3, 2013

We'll miss you Kevin, so very much.

Stephanie Stith

December 3, 2013

Uncle Joe and Aunt Elaine,
Jeff, the kids and I want you guys to know how sorry we are for your loss. And the loss we share with you and the rest of our family.
Jeff, Stephanie, William, Nick, Angel &Emily

everytime Kevin picked up the cat, it'd fart.

Stasia & Luke Cirricione

December 2, 2013

Kay Hancock

December 2, 2013

John and I would like to express our sympathy to you. Our hearts are saddened and our prayers go to you. Kevin was an amazing person! He will be missed, but always a part of the lives he touched.
In Kevin's early school years I well remember the time he spent in my classroom. Kevin was the type of student that teachers love to teach. He was 'thoughtful" in his process of learning, and eager to learn even though he might be thinking of the next recess and what the game was that he would be playing. Kevin had a ready smile for those around him and a sense of humor even at that young age. In my mind's eye I can still see the spot in the room where he liked to have his desk, and his smile beaming up at me when I would call on him. I could tell whether he was pleased to have the opportunity to 'show off' his understanding , or wished I'd call on someone else and get away from him. As his school years continued I enjoyed watching his love of sports develop. Kevin enriched the lives of all those who knew him. He will always live on in our hearts.

December 2, 2013

Joe and Elaine -

My deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your handsome talented son.

Janet Gill
Hidden Valley Lake, CA

Luke and Stasia Cirricione

December 2, 2013

Merchen Family- We met Kevin in 2006-2007 in Colorado when he went to gunsmithing school with my husband. After graduation, he moved in with us in KC, MO when he worked for Manners Composite Stocks. There were ups and downs but always a laugh and tons of fun. I'll have to dig out some pics tonight of Kevin. He's going to be missed. We'll be thinking of you and your family.

Marilyn Guenther

December 2, 2013

To the Merchen Families,
May peace be with all of you. The loss of a loved one is never easy.

December 2, 2013

To ALL of the family we can't even begin to express our sadness! this is just horrible. We have known him for so long and all the great times and the memories of him. Him and Chris had so much fun together growing up and had so much talent in basketball, these are only a few to mention but we will always keep these memories in our thoughts everyday! If there is anything we can do PLEASE don't hesitate to contact us... in times like these we need to reach out for support, so we want you to know we are here for you! Take Care! Love You! Bruce, Marilyn, Chris, Sierra & Cheyenne Higgins!

Jon Holmgren

December 1, 2013

Michelle and I are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to your family. Rest in piece Kevin.

Blair Family

December 1, 2013

The Blair family extends their condolences at this difficult time...may your happy memories of Kevin fill the gaps during this difficult time...we are here for you; to listen, talk, or just to sit with you...Ric, Cynthia, Cassidy, Stacy, Naomi and Miles and all the grandkids

Jeanie Keppel

November 30, 2013

Joe, Elaine, Tracie and Mike, I am so sorry to hear about Kevin. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing.

November 30, 2013

Joe,Elaine, Mike, and Tracie,

Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your families. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Nick, Rachel, and Jaxsen Nordyke

Karen Cummings

November 30, 2013

Dear Joe & Elaine,
I can't imagine the grief you must be feeling right now. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Kevin was a very special guy. He had such a lovely energy about him. I just remember how sweet he was as my partner at Tracie's wedding - big smile, sort of shy. Just a pleasure to be around.
And Tracie told me stories through the years of his courage, strength and independent spirit. He certainly did live his too short life with joy. He will be missed greatly by everyone who ever knew him.

With Love,
Karen Cummings

Jim Beverly Paxton

November 30, 2013

JoeElaineMike&Tracie
We are so sorry.We didn't get to know Kevin,but were so drawn to his sweet&joyful spirit.Our love&prayers.
UncleJim&AuntSue

Matt Avis Medeiros

November 30, 2013

Joe, Elaine, Tracie and Michael-
We just want you to know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Kevin was such a blessing to everyone that knew him.
Thank you so much for coming out to Redding and visiting with us in April. That will forever be a precious memory for us.

C. Rymel

November 29, 2013

RIP Kevin. I have nothing but happy memories of being around you. You were such a talented athlete and one of the funniest people ever. So grateful to have known you.

Mark and Roberta Serpe

November 29, 2013

Our deepest condolences on your loss. Your entire family is in our prayers

Uncle Mike

November 29, 2013

Joe & Elaine
I feel so lucky to have had Kevin in my life. He was like a son to me and I can only imagine the hurt you are feeling. Kevin was a fighter and will always have a special spot in my heart. I love you all and miss him dearly.

November 29, 2013

Merchen Family,

Words can't express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Gary and Terre Nordyke
Dayton, NV

Jami White

November 29, 2013

So many things to remember Kevin....Never will forget all the fun baseball trips with you and the team. Fun times we had in HS, you will be missed my friend but never forgotten.

Ed and lonnie gilmore

November 29, 2013

Our thoughts prayers are with you may Kevin be in peace.

November 29, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the family. I went to school with Kevin and I will never forget his amazing smile. RIP Kevin.

Kati Alger

November 29, 2013

My heart goes out to the Merchen family. I spent so much time in your home when I was young. I can't help but think of Kevin as a little kid. Such a sweetheart, that's how I'll remember him. You're in my prayers Tracie & family. I love you lots.

Gino Lovati

November 29, 2013

My deepest sympathies to all of Kevin's friends and family,I enjoyed working with Kevin from the first day I met him,he knew football as much as me and was a very good friend. You will be missed my Kevin.

Kathy Holmgren

November 29, 2013

We as a family are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!

Jason Burry

November 29, 2013

I posted one to Kevin but I also wanted to post to Elaine, Joe, Michael, and Tracie,

I have so much love for all of your family and I want you to know that I'm available to all of you any hour of the day. I'm incredibly sad but eternally grateful that I got to be such good friends with my cousin.

Love with all my heart and soul!

Gabe Barajas

November 29, 2013

Kev you will be missed bro...I only knew you for 2 years but I considered you a good friend.ill miss talking football and cars wit ya. To his family I'm very sorry for your loss kev was a good dude

Brian Knuutti

November 29, 2013

Kevin working side by side with you for the last 8 months was allot of fun always joking around and talking about football, guns, cars, trucks, and racing. you will be missed but never forgotten by everyone that met you.

Lynda Lloyd

November 29, 2013

Dearest Elaine, Joe, Michael and Tracie,
Our thoughts are with you all and we are holding you so tightly in our arms....Kevin's smile, sweet heart, and quick wit will never be forgotten. We miss him so very much....
All of our love,
Mike, Lynda, Jenny and Brian.

Jason Burry

November 29, 2013

Kevin,
where do I begin, I didn't have a brother growing up, but between you and brian I always felt like I did. You teased me but only in a loving way and when I deserved it. You taught me about baseball, I attribute my love for the game to you always talking about it. I really looked up and respected you and still very much do. you taught me to root for mediocre teams, now I don't root for the Giants (who are now good apparently) and the Raiders anymore but I picked a couple of crappy teams but I stay true to them. You always kept your word and you were quick to give something to someone just to make sure everyone was smiling. I have so many good memories of you and I'm so very lucky to be able to grow up with you. I still remember playing ping pong in the garage. I was never any good but I'm pretty sure you let me win a few times when I wasn't scamming your sis for a cookie or two. damn I feel like I'm rambling but I miss you and love you so very much Kev. your forever in my heart. thank you for everything.

Betty Burry

November 29, 2013

I miss you so much Kevin our talks your honesty your bravery your zest for life. You always wore a smile.Thank you for always letting old Aunt Betty capture that smile on camera so I could share it with
others.Miss you so much. Those that knew you were truely blessed.

Rosa Pulido

November 29, 2013

Kevin you were always a great person we had lots of laugh in school..I remember how much you loved sports and your family..brings tears to my eyes..you're truly going to be missed by many..

Leanna Fisher

November 29, 2013

Love and miss you so much already Kev!!! I feel so blessed to have been part of your family! You were an amazingly strong and kind hearted man and will be greatly missed by anyone who knew you! RIP my sweet cousin!

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