Merilyn June Gobel

Merilyn Bopp Gobel passed away on October 26, 2022. She was born on November 9, 1924 to her wonderful parents, August and Lulu Bopp, right here in Fresno. She has lived here all of her life with the exception of one year 1946 to 1947 when she taught high school at the Inglewood High School in Inglewood, CA.

Her parents were prominent well know people here. Her father was the owner of The Fisher-Glassford Hardware Company, and he was president and CEO of many other businesses. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Merchandise Mart in San Francisco for many years. They traveled much and Merilyn was introduced to trips all over the United States and Canada.

Merilyn was fortunate to be able to start her schooling at the then called "The Lab School of Fresno State College" where she was given a big start in her education. From there she went to Hamilton Junior High School and onto Fresno High School graduating in that famous "Class of 1942". There she was the second person to be elected as pep girl. She organized and was chairman of class reunions for over 55 years. Her lifelong friendships there have always been so special to her and she has kept in touch with many of them.

From Fresno High, she went on to graduate from Fresno State College in 1946 majoring in business and teaching. From there, she went to the University of California, Berkeley to get a further degree allowing her to teach college.

In 1944, she met the man of her dreams, Roland Gobel, and they were married in a beautiful ceremony here in Fresno on July14,1946. Roland was a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Corps and later became a gifted Architect and was responsible for designing many of the most beautiful buildings here in Fresno.

In 1950, Merilyn and Roland's first child, a daughter Starla Gobel was born and then ten and a half years later, their second child, a son Larry Gobel was born. Two wonderful children to bless their lives. In 1950, Merilyn, Roland and her mother Lulu Bopp were three of the 25 original charter members of Second Church of Christ Scientist here in Fresno. Merilyn has always loved her religion and enjoys being a class taught Christian Scientist and going to her association meetings in Phoenix every year.

Merilyn was a member of the Fig Garden Woman's Club, having served as president two terms and chaired every committee twice. Recently she was honored by the entire membership to be the only honorary life member of the club. She was also a past president and life member of the Friday Club and a past president and member of chapter GK-PEO sisterhood. All three of these organizations were loved by her and she was proud to be a member of them all.

When Fresno City College opened, Merilyn was a member of the very first faculty teaching merchandising. She opened the first book store there and was responsible for naming the football team “The Rams”.

Merilyn has given speeches all over the valley on style, perfect dress, grooming and color coordination. She was told by many groups that she was the best dressed lady in Fresno. A title that she still has maintained throughout her life.

Merilyn and Roland were married for 56 wonderful years. Almost every one that knew them said if there was such a thing as a perfect marriage Merilyn and Roland were certainly it. Roland passed away on August 2, 2002, and was sorely missed by Merilyn and his entire family.

Merilyn is survived by; her son, Larry Gobel and his wife Kimberlee, her daughter, Starla and her husband David Bizieff four grandchildren, Nicole Fagundes, Rod Pruett and his wife Bridget; Allison Milles and her husband Ka’eo and Alex Gobel, four great-grandchildren, Jacob Fagundes, Jenna Fagundes, Jonathan Pruett, Emily Pruett, Koa and Kahiki Milles.

Services will be held on Friday November 11th at 11:00am at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno CA, 93720.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Gobel family.