Obituary of Merle Lester Grau

It is with great sadness that the family of Merle Lester Grau, from Morrison, IL announce his passing on January 9, 2019, at the age of 81. Merle was born on July 24, 1937 in Sterling, Illinois and was preceded in death by his father Lester and mother Margaret (Hogarth) Grau.

 

Merle began attending Morrison schools in 8th grade, where he met many life-long friends and the love of his life Sandy of 62 years. Together they owned and operated the 3rd generation of Grau farms where they raised their three children. Merle’s memory will be forever cherished by his wife Sandy and their children Lauri (Keith) Meier, Lindy (Art) Angeli, and Mitch (Carole) Grau; grandchildren Dawn Temple, Cole Temple, Ashley (Travis) Kupfer, Jordan Angeli, Darik Angeli, Kyle (Stacy) Grau, and Scott Grau; four great-grandchildren; and step-grandchildren Amanda (Joe) Hendrix, Mike (Jodi) Meier, and Andy (Justine) Meier.

  

Along with farming, Merle served as an alderman for city of Morrison, and was involved in numerous community projects, such as building baseball fields, and coaching Little League and Pony League.  Merle was also a long-time member and vice president of the Morrison Booster Club, board member for Morrison Country Club (where he celebrated four holes-in-one), and Director of Whiteside County Bank.  Merle was also inducted into the Morrison Mustang Hall-of-Fame.

 

With the love for his family and sports, Merle traveled many miles throughout the US and coast to coast, supporting his children, grand and great-grand children’s activities. Bompey was their #1 fan and was a welcome site at whatever event he was attending.  He was first greeted with hugs, closely followed by loving jabs to the belly.

 

Over his lifetime Merle was blessed with many life-long friends, not only his life in Morrison but thru his 20 years of wintering in The Villages, FL.   Golf, community gatherings or just stopping by to say “hi” were times that he immensely cherished. 

 

Sandra and the family will be hosting celebration of life for Merle “Bompey” in Morrison and The Villages, in the not too distant future.  We truly appreciate the thoughts, prayers, flowers, texts, emails and cards that we received, giving us comfort during this difficult time.

 

We ask that in lieu of flowers, we will announce a memorial to be established at a later date.

 

Arrangements entrusted with HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 352-775-7427.   Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.