Meryl (Mick) Lou McMichael peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on September 15th, 2022 at the age of 84, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, Nebraska.
Meryl was born to Richard Artie and Ora May (Clement) McMichael on August 9th, 1938 in Farnam, Nebraska. Growing up, he spent his time working on the homestead. He also had two sisters, Janet and Julia.
Meryl met the love of his life, Sharon Hite and the two were married on May 15th, 1957 in Eustis, Nebraska. Together they had three children: Kenneth Eugene, Lynnette Kay, and Kevin Lee. The family lived in numerous rural places including Farnam, Kennedy, Maxwell, and then eventually came to settle in Gothenburg.
A country man at heart, Meryl loved spending time with his horses, especially Bell, Babe, and Scrappy. He was an avid lover of music, and could often be found playing his fiddle, guitar, or his harmonica. Meryl spent time in the army, and was involved in the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department. He worked many jobs, including Maline’s, as a mechanic at Lepp & Osterloh, the Department of Roads, picking thistles, farming, ranching, truck driving, and driving the senior center bus. He was known for his sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and his loveable personality.
Surviving are son, Kenneth (Tammy) McMichael of Gothenburg, NE; daughter, Lynnette McMichael of Kearney, NE; son, Kevin (Dawna) McMichael of Franklin, NE; sister, Janet Steuerwald of Farnam, NE; many grandchildren including Emily (CJ) Stoddard, Amanda (Bryan) Goldrich, Blayr McMichael, Kevin Jr. (Becky) McMichael, Teran (Michaela) McMichael, Christopher Kobza, Alex (Ray) Wolcott, Gavin McMichael, Alexander Maiwaldt; 14 great grandchildren, and many extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Meryl was preceded in death by his parents, sister Julia and her husband Leroy, wife Sharon, and other loved family members.
Meryl’s celebration of life will be at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 10:30 am.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Fire Department, Gothenburg Senior Center or the Gothenburg Food Pantry.