"Miss you Grandpa! I would have liked to have lived closer to you in order to see you more in my adult life, but I know you were proud of me being in the Air Force like you were and I know you understood what I was doing. I always liked our talks about your life and loved getting to know you more as I grew up. I remember being small and you showing me your really cool Sheriff pin, I was so in awe by that, I would have never known you did that otherwise, I thought ?wow, my grand-dad was a police man! That?s really super cool!? I also remember seeing the different guitars you had, although I regret not begging you to play something for me, your guitars were cool but it would have been extra special to see you play. That?s ok though, one day we?ll meet again and I?ll ask you to play me your favorite. I was so happy to learn after I joined the Air Force that you were in too! I thought ?wow, that?s really neat to have that in common with my grandpa? and when you traveled all the way out to Texas with my Mom to go to my graduation from basic training, I have to say Grandpa, that?s something I?ll never forget and was so special to me, that you made that long trip and we?re there to show your support, it meant so much to me. I?m really glad that we got to have that nice phone conversation a few months ago, the Lord gave us the opportunity to talk on a good day for us both and it made me so happy to talk to you about my twins. My only heartache is that we talked about you meeting them, and sadly that didn?t happen. But now that you?re at peace I know when I?m playing with the boys I can look up and say ?hey grandpa look at this funny thing the twins are doing now!? And you can look down on us and see them and watch them grow. I know how special that twin bond is and I?m happy for you Grandpa that you?re with Ronnie now. I?m sure when you got to see him again it was a very happy moment for both of you! I love you so much and I hope you when you crossed over to Heaven you knew how much love some people on Earth had for you. I?m happy to have had you as a Grandpa and cherish every time we talked and got to learn something new about you. All the best, and all my love, -April "
In loving memory of
Donald E. Merical
June 22, 1938 - January 2, 2019
Donald E. Merical, 80, of Jackson, NE passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at his residence.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Donald was born June 22, 1938 in Adel, IA, the son of Merle and Bernice (Sheaffer) Merical. He attended school in Adel and Sergeant Bluff, IA, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960. Donald married Bernadine Boyle in 1959 in Jackson, NE and they were blessed with 7 children.
He raised his family in Jackson, NE and worked for various trucking companies in the area.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching football.
Survivors include his wife, Bernadine Merical; children, Donald Merical, Patrick Merical, Cynthia (Walter) Thomas, Mark Merical, Teresa (Melvin) Alford, Madonna Merical, and Philip Merical; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dixie (Francis) Krause; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Robert, Rhonda, and Michelle Merical; daughter-in-law, Joni Merical; grandson, Mason Merical; and brothers, Ronnie and Jerry (Sharon) Merical.
Tributes
"Dear Father. Thank you for being there for me and my kids. I will forever remember how as a very little girl you would save the fruit from your lunch box to share with me. How you showed me how to remember to spell my last name. Change the tire tube on bike fix the chain. Put a worm. on a my first fishing pole and do it for me when I couldn't because they were gross! Build a model airplane. I remember how as a little girl how big and tall and strong you seemed. I remember how handsome you looked in your Sheriffs uniform. And the pictures of you when you were in your Air force dress uniform. I remember how I loved to hear you sing and play your guitar and was always amazed at your talent. You showed me how to fix my first mower and then showed me how to take care of my first car and wouldn't let me drive until I first knew how to change a flat. I remember our trip to texas...and you were the worst back seat driver ever! You drove me nuts telling me how to drive! I laugh now....because I realize how that it was only your love language...speaking to me. You meant well no harm. I will always remember that you prayed for my safe return each time I was deployed overseas and I am grateful that you prayers were answered. I will always remember your faith in God. I know that you did a pretty good job of setting me up for success and taking the punches that life has sent my way. I will always carry a part of you with me and I already see a lot of you in my own kids ...April in the Airforce and her children being twins like you are. Chris playing the guitar like you. ... Every once in awhile they will do or say something that will remind me of you. Oh yah and I still do not like Hotwheel tracks...especially orange ones! boy did that smart when you spanked my butt with one. Lol. Love you always Dad. Teresa "