Dear Tom and all the Family,
Words cannot express how sad I am over Marilyn's passing.  When I saw her last, she was frail but still enjoying company.  Her smile is one I will never forget and she shared it with so many people even when she wasn't happy with her condition.  My prayers are with you all.  I know your memories will give you the strength you need now. Love, Grace Reiland

We send our deepest sympathy to Tommy and the whole family.  We shall always remember Marilyn who was a delight to be with and looked after us so well when we came to visit.  Such lovely memories.... Billy and Sheila Abrahamson, England.

Dear Tom and Merle Family,

Marilyn and I worked together at Northwest Urological Associates and during that time, I came to appreciate her as a warm and caring nurse and a wonderful human being.  We enjoyed fun times, Tom, when you and Marilyn did us the honor of coming to our wedding in August, 2000.  Ken and I were both deeply saddened to hear of Marilyn's passing.  I will always admire her for her spunk and energy, her compassion for others and her ability to make a new manager feel right at home with an experienced nurse by her side.  Our prayers are with you all and offered daily for Marilyn.

Dear Tom and the entire Merle family,

The photo tribute you put together on this site is wonderful -- looking at all those lovely -- and lively! -- photos of Marilyn and all of you brought back in a rush what a great person she was.  Marilyn was always one of the kindest, most welcoming and definitely most fun "Reilands" at our annual Reiland Open reunions.  They just aren't the same without her.  

We are so sorry for your loss and you are very much in our prayers and thoughts.

Laurie and Dick Meyer

So many fond memories of Aunt Marilyn from our visits from Texas for many years growing up.  I will cherish them forever, and to all of the family, Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins, my heart and prayers go out to you all.
Love, Pamie Harper Conaway (Patty's dauhter)

To all of Marilyn's family, God bless you all. Memories will comfort us and faith will sustain us.  I will cherish my fond memories of Aunt Marilyn  and all the Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  Marilyn is a beautiful soul who will have many stars in her crown in heaven.  You are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Love, Pamie (Harper, Conaway) Patty's daughter

Dear Harper cousins and Aunt Patty,

My deepest sympathy on the death of your sister and aunt, Marilyn.

I love you all.

John Millerman

To all my aunts, uncles & cousins,  I pray that God holds you in His hands and comforts your souls in your mourning of a wonderfully smart, funny, vibrant and beautiful woman, Marilyn Merle.  My heart goes out to all of you.  Love, Debbie Harper Shipwash

Dear extended family: It must have been around 1969 or ‘70 that my family took a road trip from TX up to IL when, at age 11 or so, I first met so many of my aunts & uncles & cousins. I bunked at the Merle’s house while there & rather hooked up with Tommy Jr. But among others, Aunt Marilyn’s buoyant personality made a deep impression on me, & her features have always seemed to me a perfect blend of Patty’s (my mother, Marilyn’s sis) & Gramma’s (their mom Laura). I last saw Marilyn when all of Laura’s children & their spouses traveled to our house in TX where she’d been living for several years to celebrate her 90th Birthday, on 4-7-84 (though I did occasionally overhear Marilyn’s voice on the phone during conversations with my mom the last couple of years). Since 1984 I have only seen Uncle Paul twice, but none of the rest of ye old Northern clan; it's human nature to get caught up in, let alone keep up with, our busy, busy lives in this evermore rapidly spinning world--despite that, there’s really not much excuse for it. Mother has, however, always kept the Harpers so abreast with all of your doings over the years that I’ve continued to feel a close (if distant :-) connection with many of you. My emotions were torn when I learned of Marilyn’s diagnosis several years ago--no one deserves such a cruel & hopeless fate as PSP. I am so sorry for the loss of the lovely Marilyn Merle--more particularly sorry for your loss, which does not compare with mine. I know she will be sorely missed, & pray God give you all strength right now in your grief & mourning. When my brother Jay forwarded the email with news of Marilyn’s passing, I responded to my brothers & sisters in, well, a bit of a dream state I suppose. I’ll nevertheless repeat the end of that message here, in Memorial:  ‘No doubt there's some rough weather right now & continuing just ahead for those loved ones swept up in the wake of her passing; I hope they'll all buffet the storm as best they may, indeed, as they must--always easier said than done. In particular, I hope our own beloved Mama is holding up during this knell ... I'm very sad, but relieved that Marilyn is free at last. I lift my glass to you, Marilyn, and wish you bon voyage as your vessel sails to terra incognita. This wish rises from the bottom of my heart and is sent into the ether trailing after you. I do so hope we'll all be reunited in that undiscovered country, and once discovered, discover that it’s a really, really, really cool place, with lots of kissing, or the cosmic equivalent thereof, or what you will...’ 

With my deepest sympathy, 
Christopher Paul Harper

Marilyn,

We'll miss you here in Old Chicago,
Where gangsters fought the Feds.
Up in heaven the pizza's better,
and the Cubs win ev'ry game.

When through the veil of death you passed
You shed your failing body.
God the Father sent His Son
To bring you home at last.

His blood was given to wash you clean,
To enter His Holy Light.
There he waits to see His child
In whom He so delights.

We'll join you there,  away up yonder.
But for now we need to ponder:
Can it be God loved us so,
To die on that cruel cross?

Dear Merle Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Marilyn.
We had a lot of fun working together.  She was a great friend.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Merle Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May your memories give you strength.

Dear Merle Family , The only time I met your Mom , and Tom.... your wife , was in your home ,  during the time of Randy and Linda's wedding . We , as a family , were invited to your home , and Marilyn and Tom made all of us feel SO welcome ! Marilyn especially went out of her way to spend time with us , and made us feel so welcome ! We truly felt a part of the family ! The only word that keeps coming to mind as I think of her , is the fact that she simply " Sparkled " ! You were all very fortunate to have her in your lives ! Remembering you all in prayer ! Please try to remember , that she is where we all want to be !! Hugs to you all !

Dear Tommy and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Tom I understand your lost, as too have
lost a loved also. blessing to you and your family.
Bill Larson
Ormond Beach Fl.

When I sat next to Marilyn for the last time she said, "I'm sorry I talk so slowly". "It doesn't matter..I just enjoy being with you" I answered. "You always say the right thing" she said. 'No, Marilyn,' I thought, 'you just won that contest'.

OBITUARY

Marilyn Joan Reiland Merle

January 6, 1933 – March 7, 2010

Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home

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