Michael F. Merna Obituary (1953 - 2016)

Michael Merna, 62, of Merna, died at 2:05 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2016 at Heartland Health Care in Normal. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at St. Patrick Church of Merna. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Merna. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for an education fund for Mikes grandchildren. rnTo express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com. He was born November 16, 1953 in Merna, son of Joseph and Jane A. Hayes Merna. He married Pamela J. Taylor Williams on July 17, 1993 at the Merna family farm. rnSurviving are his wife, Pam, of Merna; daughters, Katy (Kevin) Rockett of Winfield and Keri Williams of Towanda; son, Toby (Becky) Williams of Forsyth; his mother, Jane Merna of Merna and three grandchildren, Sienna Rockett, Aiden Logan Williams. Also surviving are four sisters, Theresa Merna of Merna, Joan (John) Sullivan of Rushville, Patricia (Wade) Pestka of Lexington and Rita (Michael) McCarthy of Morton and three brothers, Daniel Merna of Merna, Peter (Patricia) Merna of Brimfield and James (Teri) Merna of Bloomington; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful, four legged friend, his black lab, Boo. rnMike was employed many years by West Construction, Stark Excavating and retired after 23 years from Laesch Electric, Inc. He will be remembered as a dedicated employee, never turning a job down. rnMikes greatest joys in life were spending time with his grandchildren and family, visiting with friends and neighbors and working on the family farm. He never met a stranger and there wasnt anything he wouldnt do for his friends and family. rnHe is a long-time friend to many and will be greatly missed.