Obit: Merlak, LeRoy M. (1937 - 2011)

Contact:Duane Horn

Email: capperhorn@centurytel.net

Surnames: Merlak, Zager, Felsenthal, Sackmann, Mitby

----Source: La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.)  08/20/2011

Merlak, LeRoy M. (21 FEB 1937 - 18 AUG 2011)

Sun City, Ariz. - LeRoy Mathew Merlak of Sun City, Ariz., passed away on Aug. 18, 2011, due to unexpected health complications after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. with a viewing at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, at Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103^rd Ave., Sun City, Ariz.

LeRoy was born in Loyal (Clark Co.), Wis., on Feb. 21, 1937, to Mathew and Anne (Zager) Merlak.

Remembered by the many lives he touched during his years as principal at Kickapoo Area Schools, superintendent at Thorp Area School District and Wis. CESA District 9 administrator, fellow volunteers at Banner Boswell Hospital, golf buddies, swimming friends and his close personal friends.

LeRoy enjoyed spending his time with his wife of 52 years, Donna, sightseeing and traveling back to Wisconsin to spend time with their children and their families and staying connected with friends.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Donna, and sister, Vicki Merlak (Jim Felsenthal), both of Sun City; daughters, Lynn (Merlak) Sackmann (Bob) and Lisa (Merlak) Mitby from Wisconsin; sons, Steven (Connie) Merlak of Pennsylvania and Dean Merlak (Lauri) from Wisconsin.

LeRoy adored his "special angels" (grandchildren), Laura, Alan, Matthew, Robert, Jennifer, Kaylyn, Dillon, Kristopher, Ciara, Michael, Mathew, Sawyer, Meredith, Josie; and most recently a great-grandchild, Mason.

The family is finding comfort in knowing that LeRoy will be accepted in this blessed journey by his deceased son, Mark, and his mother and father.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sun Health Foundation, P.O. Box 2015, Sun City, AZ 85372, benefit of Banner Emergency Department or Hospice of Arizona, 12740 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85381, in memory of LeRoy Merlak would be appreciated.

Family would like to thank the many friends for their spiritual and emotional support during this very difficult time.

"Lord, help me remember that nothing is going to happen today that you and I can’t handle together."