Merle G. Levy's Obituary
Merle G Levy, age 90, of St. Clair, passed away Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009, after long illness. He was born Oct 10, 1918 in Saginaw, MI, the first son of Hazel and Merle Levy. He is survived by one of his 7 siblings, Robert Levy of Arvada, Colorado. He was the beloved husband of Beryl (McGee) Levy, whom he married July 30, 1960 in Marine City; dear father of Juliet Levy-Weston (and Eric) of Lansing, and Nancy Levy (and Daniel Boyle) of Plymouth. Merle is also survived by two grandchildren; Dylan and Erin of Plymouth, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Although plagued with poor eyesight due to inherited Retinitus pigmentosa, Merle had a wonderful and interesting life and was grateful for his blessings. After starting life in Saginaw, he and his family moved to St. Clair in 1937. Merle held various jobs, but always the performer, he was active in St. Clair''s local theatre productions. During World War Two, unable to enlist because of his eyes, he found work as a kitchen steward on lake freighters. After three seasons on the lakes, he returned to St.Clair and began working for Diamond Crystal. This was a job he held until his retirement in 1976. One of his proudest accomplishments was being one of the Founders of the Diamond Crystal (now Riverview Community) Federal Credit Union. He was also proud of swimming across the St. Clair River back in his younger days. Merle was active in St. Paul''s Episcopal Church, St. Clair, serving on the vestry, working at the Thrift Shop and often being called on to prepare large meals for parish meetings. Although his eyesight was limited, he was a voracious reader of "talking books". Merle enjoyed his later life fatherhood and taught his girls to sing songs and recite poetry. The family also enjoyed traveling on a modest budget. The highlight was a two week trip to California in 1972 that Merle claimed he financed by quitting smoking and saving his cigarette money. After the children were grown, Merle and Beryl continued to enjoy theatre, music, and travel.
Visitation will be Thursday 1-4 and 7-9 P.M. in the L.C. Friederichs and Sons Funeral Home, St Clair (810-329-4222). Memorial Services will held Saturday, February, 28 at 11 AM in St. Paul''s Episcopal Church, St. Clair
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul''s Church or Alzheimer''s Association (Please visit the family''s online guestbook at www. lcfandson.com )
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