Merle F. Josefiak, 88, of Rush Center, Kansas passed away on July 9, 2020. Merle was born on November 11, 1931. He was born to John and Edith (Wilhelm) Josefiak on their farm located southwest of Rush Center. He graduated in 1949 from La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas.
Merle and the former Maxine Renz were married October 25, 1951, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Rush Center by Rev. Ray Saathoff. He worked at Renz Oil Company for 20 years and at the Golden Belt Telephone Company for 22 years as a lineman, retiring in 1996.
Merle proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict, aboard the USS Naifeh DE-352 from 1951–1955. He traveled to Japan, China, Korea and Hawaii during his years in the Navy. Following his retirement, Merle and Maxine traveled to numerous states across the country, attending Navy “Naifeh” shipmate Reunions.
Merle assisted in and led worship services, as lay preacher, at Hope Lutheran Church for many years. He held this opportunity very close to his heart.
Merle is survived by wife, Maxine; their two children, David Josefiak (Neil Sauder) of Wichita, Kansas, and Lynne Fahrney of Ponca City, Oklahoma,; three granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren.
Merle was preceded in death by both his parents; and sisters, Loretta Josefiak (infant), and Leola Seltmann.
Merle has been cremated and will be inurned in Locust Hill Cemetery, Rush Center.
No services are scheduled at this time.
The family requests memorials to Hope Lutheran Church, 308 S. Walnut, Rush Center, Kansas 67575.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.