Mervin Lawrence Mitchler

            Lawrence Mervin Mitchler, born May 2, 1951 at Neepawa Hospital went to be with Jesus December 24, 2019.

            Merv will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Shirl. He will be missed by his brothers and sister, his brothers in law, sisters in law, and his numerous nieces and nephews.

            He was predeceased by his parents, twin sisters (in infancy), one brother, one brother-in-law, mother-in-law, and father-in-law.

            Merv grew up in the Glenella area on a farm. He went to school in Tenby and Glenella. It was here that he learned the trade of welding in a local welding shop. At 15, he was confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Waldersee. He moved to Winnipeg in his early 20s and starting working at Co Op Implements as a welder. He was with Co Op until they closed in 1982. He continued his career in welding with Penno in Eden and Grain Master in Winnipeg, staying with Grain Master till retirement in 2012.

            It was in Winnipeg, January 1982 that he met Shirl. They were engaged by April and married in August. They had 37 great years together. They loved animals and had a dog named Benji and a cat Bentley as pets. Even as a child Merv loved cats. Farm cats are prone to wandering off, but Merv would sing “the cat came back” whenever a cat returned to the yard.

            Merv had many talents. He enjoyed cooking. If Shirl was working, he would plan an entire meal with dessert and invite company over to share the meal with them when she got home. He enjoyed photography. He aced a photography course.  Merv took lots of pictures at home, for weddings, and on their many vacations together.

            Merv also loved gardening. His yard and grass were pristine. His goal was that the grass look like a plush carpet – which made a nice backdrop for Shirley’s flowers.

            Over the years, Merv also developed a love for travel. On their first trip to Mexico in 1986, he was excited like a kid in a candy shop. Winter vacations were something to look forward to each year. One of his biggest highlights was a trip to Europe in 2015. (9 countries, 3 weeks and 11 excursions later!)

            Merv loved helping people – there was never a request that was too big or too small. He felt that God put us on this earth to help people.

            Merv’s walk with God was very important to him. Reading his bible and praying were part of his everyday life. He enjoyed being part of the church family.

            As we all know, Merv was not a big talker. He would not have won an award for public speaking. But he was an amazing listener. You knew he was paying attention to the conversation around him by his quips and comments. He quietly observed people and I believe this is one of the many qualities that drew others to him.

            Merv’s last request was for a Christmas miracle – and that was to have a new body in heaven. And God brought him home.

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