Merle L Kiser

For 80 years, Merle Kiser was known and loved for his gentle kind-hearted spirit and willingness to offer a helping hand. When he passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 family was at his bedside to thank him for his lifelong dedication as caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. Although he will be severely missed by the hundreds who love him, family takes comfort in knowing he is now in the specially prepared corner of heaven with shiny tractors, nice straight long rows of corn, a comfy recliner and, of course, his brothers and sister who welcomed him. Certainly, they are reminiscing together now of the many good family times. When diagnosed with late stage lung cancer in November, Merle said, "I have lived a good life." Anyone who knows him would agree. It was a life filled with selfless helping of others. Born in Wolcott, Indiana in 1932 to Burley and Marie Kiser, Merle is one of thirteen children. He was raised on the farm, graduated from Star City high school in 1950 and served in the Army in Fort Bliss, TX. His radar and electrical training in the Army led him to jobs in Chicago in electrical engineering. While visiting his brother Bob, he met the love of his live, Judy Holtz. They were married April 18, 1959, resided in Hessville until 1973, then Munster until present. Merle and Judy had two children, Pam and Sharon. Pam (Records), her husband Mark, and three children (McKenzie, Clay and Sam), live in Fishers, IN. Sharon (Denning) and Al McIntire live in Kennewick, Washington. Merle enjoyed a career in field maintenance, starting as an electrical apprentice at Youngstown Sheet and Tube. He retired as field maintenance general turn foreman from LTV steel in 1973. After retiring, Merle enjoyed gardening, attending monthly gatherings with his mill buddies, and staying close to his farm family roots. He was the first to help friends and family with problems big and small. Merle is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn (Judy Holtz); daughters: Sharon Denning and Pam (Mark) Records; grandchildren: McKenzie, Clay and Sam; siblings: Herald (Sheri) Kiser, Ralph (Barb) Kiser, Dolly Miller, Ruth Ann (Dick) Wentz, Rex (Bonnie) Kiser and Nancy (George) Bechtel; sister-in- laws: Merlene Kiser and Frances Kiser; and dozens of loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Burley and Marie Kiser; son-in-law, Michael Denning; and siblings: Lee Kiser, Dean (Evelyn) Kiser, Chet (Lois) Kiser, Bobby (Flora Mae) Kiser, Nellie (Truman) Baker, and Paul Kiser. Friends and family will gather to celebrate on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Interment, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.