Merlin C. Mewhorter Jr.
Tuesday, June 7, 1927
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Age:
87 years old
Visitation
Date: Wednesday October 15, 2014
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Thursday October 16, 2014
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Thursday October 16, 2014
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Tuesday, June 7, 1927
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Age:
87 years old
Tuesday, June 7, 1927
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Age:
87 years old
Merlin C. Mewhorter Jr.
Family and friends lost one of “Rochester’s Finest” on Sunday, October 12, 2014. Merlin C. Mewhorter Jr., 87, passed away at Madonna Towers where he had resided.
Merlin was born to Merlin Sr. and Irene (Courtney) Mewhorter on June 7, 1927 in Rochester, Minnesota.
He served in the United States Navy from February 8, 1945 to July 23, 1946. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1947. Merlin became an officer for the Rochester Police Department on November 19, 1956 and retired on January 31, 1987. He then began driving for Prisoner Transporting from September 1993 to March 2005. He also did part-time work for Rochester City Delivery and Macken Funeral Home in his younger years.
Merle was proud to be a member of the Rochester Police Department and loved his job immensely. His father Merlin Sr. and brother Henry were also Police Department officers. There was never any lack of “Cop Talk” around the dinner table! Merle was a kind and generous man, devoting his life to his family, friends and job. He touched the lives of so many and will be sadly missed by all.
Merlin married the love of his life, Marjorie Soufal on November 10, 1951. She was employed at Mayo Clinic Pathology Lab. Marge passed away on May 20, 2014.
Merlin is survived by his four children, Julie Priebe, Jennifer (Brad) Mewhorter-Button, Joseph (Linda) Mewhorter and Jessica (Kevin) Hewlett; 11 grandchildren, Patrick (Lisa) Priebe, Michael (Jess) Priebe and Molly (Brandon) Matusiewicz, Anna and Lainey Mewhorter-Button, Matthew, Ryan and Laura Mewhorter, and Heather, Michael and Andrew Hewlett; six great grandchildren, Ryan and Morgan Priebe, Michael and Madilynn Jereczek-Priebe of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Sean Priebe and Tula Ann Matusiewicz; brother and sister-in-law Henry and Kathryn Mewhorter; sister, Florence (Jim) Ruble of Blaine, MN; and sister-in-law Nadine Mewhorter. He is also survived by his four-legged pal, Pookey Jones.
Merlin was preceded in death by his wife Marge, two infant sons, his parents, and brothers Dwaine and Eugene.
A memorial Mass for Merlin will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post 92 at the church following Mass. In addition, Rochester Police Department and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department will provide an honor guard at the funeral home and church.
The Mewhorter family would like to thank Madonna Towers and Mayo Hospice for the wonderful care that was given to Merlin.
Friends may call from 5:00-8:00PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Merlin C. Mewhorter Jr. has received the following condolences.
Jullie, Jenny, Jessie and Joe
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Just think of all the good memories and know he is happy to be reunited with your mom.
Sandy
Sorry for your loss.
My sympathies for the passing of a great guy. Merle made me and other young lawyers feel like a million bucks every time we saw him. They don't make guys like that anymore. The world is a poorer place with him gone.
Keeping a good thought about Merle.
Julie and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.May peace be with you. Bob and Jeanne Vehrenkamp
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Mike and Dawn
Julie, Jenny Jessie & Joe,
Words cannot express the incredible loss we feel for Uncle Merle. He was such an incredible man. Our visits to Rochester will never be the same. I know Auntie Marge and my mom greeted him with open arms. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Joe, Julie, Jenny and Jessica and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You all have had a tough year, first with your mom and now your father. Now they are reunited and living pain free. We had some good chats in recent weeks regards the flood memories.He talked about his kids and how proud he was with each one of you. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.