William Merrill

William A. (Bill) Merrill, 88, passed away Sunday, January 6th, at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk, Ne., surrounded by his wife and loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 Friday, January 11, 2019 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. There will be a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday also at the church. Visitation is Thursday 4-7 p.m. and will continue Friday morning 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial is in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post # 84 Honor Guard.

Bill was born May 30, 1930, in Geneva, Ne., to Wayne and Josephine (Mosley) Merrill. He graduated from Saint Bonaventure High School In Columbus in 1948.  He served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War.  When he returned he enrolled in the University of Nebraska and earned a Electrial Engineering degree.  Later on in his career he completed his MBA, also at the University of Nebraska.

Bill's first marriage was to Elaine Fickel on February 4, 1956 in Columbus, Ne. They had 7 children and were married 21 years.  Elaine died of cancer in 1977.  He married Joyce (Feilmeier) Jackson on November 16, 1979.  Together with her 4 children the family grew to 13.  At his death he and Joyce had been married 39 years. Bill was a lifelong member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus, Ne. He served on many of the boards and committees and sang in the Men's Choir.  He had a strong and committed faith and assurance of mercy and eternal life. Bill believed in community service. He served on the Planning Commission in Columbus, was active in Boy Scouts (he was an Eagle Scout).  One of his most beloved activities was playing Santa Claus to the children in Frankfort Square. Throughout his life, Bill had a passion for many things. Some of these passions included a deep love of books and reading, a love of travel, woodworking, a glass of good Irish Whiskey and a cold Diet Coke. But his greatest passion was his family.  He loved family gatherings and was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved. Bill will be remembered for his definite charm, a twinkle in his eye, his quick wit and his love for his family.

Bill is survived by his wife Joyce Jackson Merrill, sons Michael (Sharon) Merrill of Arizona, Patrick (Karen) Merrill of Columbus, NE, Steven (Sarah) Merrill of Norfolk, NE, daughters Leigh Ann (Mark) Gdowski of Lincoln, NE, Susan Merrill of Dallas, TX, and Mary (Jon) Appleget of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Vicki Maca of Omaha, NE, Torri (Dwayne) Obermiller of Norfolk, NE, Terri (Kirk) Hanna of Overland Park, KS and stepson Tom (Lori) Jackson of Omaha, NE, twenty grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Frances (Gene) Tollini of Dallas, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Elaine, his son Christopher and his sister, Mary Ann.

A memorial has been established at St. Bonaventure Church, Columbus, NE