Melvin Mergenmeier

Melvin G. Mergenmeier, 86, husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Brewster Place in Topeka. He was born January 2, 1929 on a farm south of Seneca the son of George and Stella Lierz Mergenmeier. Melvin served in the Korean conflict. Melvin, a well-liked and respected man lived most of his life in St. Marys. He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber for many years. True to his roots he maintained a small farm in the same area of his birth until later in life. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 657 at St. Marys and also was a fourth degree member of Thomas A. McNeive Assembly No. 289. Melvin was a member of the VFW and the American Legion at Seneca. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Karen Ann, and a sister Rosalie McMurphy. Upon returning home from Korea he married the love of his life Dorothy Koehler on September 11, 1954 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two sons, Dennis Melvin (Madonna) Mergenmeier, Topeka and Stephen Lynn (Douglas Towner) Mergenmeier, Las Vegas; his daughter, Kathy Ann (Douglas) Basler, Wichita; a brother, George (Nadine) Mergenmeier, Dover; four sisters, Elsana Rusche, Seneca, Dorothy May Koch, Baileyville, Marie (Merle) Welch, Topeka and Jannette (Ernest) Graham Casper, WY; his brother-in-law, Bill McMurphy, Sabetha; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. Interment will be in the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Cemetery in Seneca at 2:30 P.M. Mr. Mergenmeier will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Piper Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 followed by the Rosary. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.