Merle Joy, 80, passed away Sunday, Jan 18, 2015 at the Falls City Hospital.  He was born Nov 3, 1934 in Salem to Ivan and Esta (Wittwer) Joy.  Merle moved to Falls City as a young boy and graduated from Falls City High School in 1952. 

After graduation Merle attended the University of Nebraska for one year before returning to Falls City to work full time at the family business "Joy's Machine Shop and Supply", where he had been regularly working since Junior High School. During this time he spent many of his days in the oilfields of southeast Nebraska with his dad and brother. He retired in 2011 after 60+ years at "the Shop".  He enjoyed visiting with customers and passing on his "Merle's of Wisdom".

Merle served 2 years ( 1957-1959) in the Army, including assignments at Sandia Base, NM, and Fort Sill, OK, followed by 3 years in the local Company B, Nebraska Army National Guard.

He married Karen Louise Kahl, Sep 16, 1962 in Mineola Iowa.  They were blessed with three children: Jennifer, Michael, and Matthew. 

Merle enjoyed music his entire life; everything from the Big Band era to Jazz to Pink Floyd and could often be found listening to his MP3 player while playing solitaire on the computer. He enjoyed being with his family who kept him current on the the latest music and technology. He was always interested in learning new things and was a wealth of knowledge and trivia. Even after retirement he still liked to tinker in his shop especially when with someone who appreciated tinkering as much as he did. Merle was a long time member of the Southeast Nebraska Blacksmith, Welders, and Machinist Association where he had many longtime friends and associates. As a younger man he enjoyed competing in tractor pulling and was a motor sports enthusiast his entire life.

Merle is survived by wife Karen; children, Jennifer Krug of Auburn NE, Michael Joy of St Joseph MO, and Matthew Joy (Holly) of Plattsmouth NE; grandchildren, Dylan, Tyler, Wyatt, Maxwell, and Ryan; brother Leon Joy (Carolyn) of Falls City; Sister-in-law Elizabeth Young (Bob) of Spearfish SD; Brother-in-law Marvin "Bud" Kahl(Marge) of Mineola IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and special canine friend and companion, Caesar.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation is planned for Thursday, Jan 22 from 7 - 8 p.m., at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home followed by a memorial service Friday, Jan 23 at 2 p.m.