Andrew J. Merrill's Obituary
Andrew J. Merrill, age 86, of Grandville, passed away suddenly September 10, 2014. A funeral ceremony will be held Saturday, September 13th at 2:00pm, at Hansen Janowicz Funeral Home in Remus. Patti Hicks will officiate with burial to follow at Pine River Cemetery in Blanchard where military honors will be performed.
Andrew was born August 12, 1928 in Greenville, MI, the son of Andrew and Violet (Bruce) Merrill. He grew up in Kalamazoo and later moved to Blanchard with his siblings after his mother passed away. In 1945, Andrew joined the United States Navy and served his country honorably, taking part in the Bikini Island bomb testing, until he was discharged in 1952. Andrew married his first wife, Mary Jane Staats on September 6, 1954, and together their family grew to include two children. Sadly, Mary Jane passed away in 1986 after 32 years of marriage. On November 27, 1999, Andrew married Rena Pendell, and his family grew further to include three step-children.
Andrew loved to hunt and fish, fondly he would remember his fishing trips to Canada with his family. He could always be found fixing something or tinkering on a car. He was treasurer and contract negotiator for Labors Local of Grand Rapids. He spent part of his life working construction before becoming maintenance at Grandville high school where he retired. Andrew loved to play his harmonica, watch his great-grandchildren play sports, and watch the Detroit Tigers on T.V.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 15 years, Rena; children, Danny (Gina) Merrill and Violet ( Ron) Welsheimer; brother, Richard; sister, Dorothy Jean Everts; step-children, Duane (Diane) Pendell, Nona Sellers (George Jones), and David (Linda) Pendell; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Andrew was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; brother, Bruce; sister-in-law, Nancy, and niece, Brenda Paulsen.
Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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