LeRoy Merlak

LeRoy Mathew Merlak of Sun City, Arizona passed away on August 18, 2011, due to unexpected health complications after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 22, 2011, at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Arizona, at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing at 1:00 p.m. LeRoy was born in Loyal, Wisconsin on February 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 Wisconsin 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, Donna of 52 years, site-seeing 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; Sister, Vicki Merlak (Jim Felsenthal) both of Sun City, Arizona; Daughters, Lynn (Merlak) Sackmann (Bob); 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 Mother and Father. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sun Health Foundation, P.O. Box 2015, Sun City, Arizona 85372 benefit of Banner Emergency Department or Hospice of Arizona, 12740 N. Plaza del Rio Blvd., Peoria, Arizona 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.”