John “Jack” Richard Mergendahl Sr., 80 years, 22 days old, passed away on July 26, 2024, at Gainesville Health Care Center with his family by his side.
Jack was born July 4, 1944 in Saugerties, New York, to James Henry and Blanche Katherine (Washburn) Mergendahl.
Jack worked for his father-in-law, Ralph Shultis as a stone mason in the Catskills of New York.
Jack married Barbara Jane Shultis in December of 1962, in New York. To this union four children were born, Jacquelyn, Wanda, Bonnie, and John. Barbara preceded in death.
Jack and family moved to the Ozarks in 1974. He continued his work as a self employed stone mason and later worked at Hutchens Industries out of Mansfield, Missouri for several years. Then Jack returned to New York and worked for the Saugerties, New York school district, as a custodian, where he retired.
On November 20, 2004, Jack and Lesalie (Overbaugh) were united in marriage in Saugerties, New York. Together they moved and retired to Wasola, Missouri. While in the community, Jack worked at the Ava Post Office as a custodian. Jack was a Christian, and he loved his church family at Girdner.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending revivals. His joy was being with his family and visiting with friends!
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lesalie; one brother, James; and one sister, Blanchette Kellerhouse.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, John & Amber Mergendahl, Jr., Bonnie & Bob Kuhn, Wanda Mergendahl, and Jacquelyn Autry; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; his brother, Billy Mergendahl and many friends.
Funeral services for Jack will be Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, Missouri, with burial following in the Girdner Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1:00 P.M. Officiating will be Sister Tillie Fowler and Pastor Maxine Lund. Memorials may be made to Girdner Church Youth Program or Girdner Cemetery.
