Submitted by: Dan Rich

Merle William Boyer

Sept. 22, 1940 - July 21, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/23/2008
SOUTH BEND - Merle William Boyer, 67, passed away on July 21, 2008 after suffering a tragic accident at home July 14, 2008. He was born to Nathan and Gertrude Boyer on September 22, 1940. He was a graduate of Riley High School and Purdue University School of Pharmacy. He married Linda K. Zurat September 24, 1966 and together they owned and operated Madison Drugs pharmacy for 25 years. He remained a resident of South Bend / Mishawaka his entire life. He was a parishioner and hospitality minister at St. Pius X church, Granger, IN. He is survived by his wife, Linda; a sister, Sandy Hayward; and two sons, Chris (Beth) and Bryan (Jennifer). He will be missed dearly by his seven grandchildren, Hunter, Jordyn, Reilly, Payton, Drew, Margot, and Quinn. A selfless man, Merle's work ethic and desire to help others did not allow for him to have hobbies but he cherished spending quality hands-on time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. Always a gentle, loving soul, he taught his family the most basic principles of a good Christian life: love, honor, respect, integrity, charity, and faith. His life touched so many around him and he will be forever remembered as "one of the good guys". The family would like to thank the EMS personnel, the Memorial ER and ICU doctors, nurses, and staff for their compassion and exceptional care of this special man. A special thanks to Fathers Lengerich and Laurick for their spiritual guidance and daily prayers at his bedside. Mr. Boyer was a member of St. Pius X Parish, the Granger Knights of Columbus, and the St. Joseph County Pharmaceutical Association.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. in McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings. 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Rd.) in Granger, Thursday, July 24, 2008. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2008, and the funeral procession will proceed from St. Pius X Catholic Church, Fir and SR 23, Granger, to St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Those wishing to honor Merle with a memorial donation in his memory may direct them to O'Hana Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 186, South Bend, IN 46624.