Merlyn Grace

Merlyn Grace, 83, of rural Lewellen, passed away Thursday evening August 22, 2024 at the Garden County Health Services Hospital in Oshkosh after a courageous battle with cancer.

 Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:30 am. Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Ash Hollow Cemetery with Brenda Tophoj, PMA officiating. A time of fellowship and a meal will follow at the Lewellen Tiger Den. Please come as you are, cowboy boots and jeans are just fine, and share stories and memories of Merlyn.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation at the funeral home.

 Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Grace family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Merlyn’s name can be made to the Lewellen Tiger Den, Lewellen Rural Fire or the Most Unlikely Place in Lewellen.

 Merlyn George Grace was born July 22, 1941 to Dale and Vi Grace at their home on the ranch near Lewellen. Merlyn attended school in Lewellen, graduating in 1959. As a little boy, many days were spent spearing catfish in the river with his brothers. While in high school, Merlyn was active in all sports, as well as a member of band, chorus, and a boy’s quartet.

 After high school, Merlyn moved to the family ranch in the Sandhills, 40 miles north of Lewellen. This is where he would call home for the next 37 years being a rancher. 

He met Arlene Mekelburg while attending the stock show in Denver, Colorado. They later married on May 14, 1967. Merlyn and Arlene had two daughters, Geri in December 1969, and Julie in October 1973. 

 Merlyn was the definition of a true cattleman; God made him to be a rancher. He loved the Sandhills and his family. He had a great compassion for the cattle and believed in working hard for the family brand. Living in the Rackett community, Merlyn always felt grateful for all the good neighbors. Every first Saturday in June, at the Grace branding was the perfect example of the value of good neighbors and friends who gathered from miles around. 

 Merlyn also had a passion for flying, following in his dad’s footsteps, he got his pilot’s license at an early age. Whether he was checking cattle, windmills, fences on the summer range, being the “eye of the sky” locating grass fires for the Rackett Volunteer Fire Department or making that quick landing by a blowout to look for that perfect arrowhead, Merlyn always loved the view of the Sandhills from above in the Supercub.

 Merlyn and Arlene retired and bought a home outside Lewellen in 1997. After moving closer to town, Merlyn stayed actively involved in the family farming operations. In the snowy months, on non-Husker gamedays, of course, Merlyn discovered a new hobby of woodworking in his shop. Being self-taught, he spent many hours building wishing wells while listening to the songs of Marty Robbins, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. Merlyn and Arlene celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in May 2024.

Merlyn is survived by his wife, Arlene of Lewellen; daughters, Geri (Larry) Alworth of Oshkosh and Julie (Rick) Kreuter of Big Springs; grandchildren, Melissa (Brandon), Jenna, Nick; great-grandchildren, Jailyn, Ember, Conner, Peyton, and Sage; sister, JoAnn Podkonyak; brother, Butch (Jeannie) Grace of Lewellen and several nieces and nephews.

 Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Vi Grace; brother, Marvin (Gail) Grace; brother-in-law, Johnny Podkonyak; and niece, Holli (Podkonyak) Fessler.