Welcome to the memorial page for
Merle Lunceford
May 2, 1935 ~ October 14, 2017 (age 82) 82 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
A candle was lit by Frank Muhvich Jr.
on November 2, 2017 8:25 AM
A candle was lit by Travis Wavrin
on October 24, 2017 9:45 PM
My condolences to the Luncford family and his close friends. Not only did he have an impact on my life as a student but I was able to share that impact with my dad who also was one of his students. I was just remembering him as we helping my own kids with thier math. God speed Lunce.
My condolences to the Luncford family and his close friends. Not only did he have an impact on my life as a student but I was able to share that impact with my dad who also was one of his students. I was just remembering him as we helping my own kids with thier math. God speed Lunce.
A candle was lit by Travis Wavrin
on October 24, 2017 9:29 PM
A candle was lit by Connie (Mavetz) Coughlin and family
on October 24, 2017 9:33 AM
Message from Barb Berglund 1977
October 23, 2017 7:09 PM
Merle loved to burn brush. Minor pyromania was something we shared.
Often I’d get out to Emily’s to burn the brush piles I’d spent weeks making, only to find him there with nothing but coals left for me to tend.
But on October 25, 2002, I was driving out to Emily’s, stunned and heartbroken over Paul Wellstone’s death. Merle was on the side of the road, near his driveway, with a roaring, fresh brush pile in the snow.
I pulled over to visit like always, and asked if I could burn the campaign signs in the back of my Blazer. Not only did he say yes, he handed me his rake, and let me play with his fire for a good long while, and just talked to me while I cried. And told me not to burn the last one.
That’s when I started to love him.
Often I’d get out to Emily’s to burn the brush piles I’d spent weeks making, only to find him there with nothing but coals left for me to tend.
But on October 25, 2002, I was driving out to Emily’s, stunned and heartbroken over Paul Wellstone’s death. Merle was on the side of the road, near his driveway, with a roaring, fresh brush pile in the snow.
I pulled over to visit like always, and asked if I could burn the campaign signs in the back of my Blazer. Not only did he say yes, he handed me his rake, and let me play with his fire for a good long while, and just talked to me while I cried. And told me not to burn the last one.
That’s when I started to love him.
A candle was lit by Thank you Jim Woods at Kerntz and Dan, Sarah & Insula Crew
on October 22, 2017 9:58 PM
A candle was lit by Todd & Heather Hohenstein
on October 22, 2017 9:54 PM
A scholarship in Merle Lunceford's name is being set up through the Ely Education Foundation. Each year diligent recipient(s) will receive the monetary award to further their education, a compilation of stories - shared here, on the Kerntz site, as well as at the service - a puzzle (with a circle, "I love Ely sticker"), and a jar of pickles.
If you were not able to make it to the service (and that's fine...Lunce would not have wanted you to miss family time, drive long distances, etc etc!) and are curious about the last two items, please drop us a note with your "Lunce story" (at PO Box 742 Ely, MN 55731) and we'll be happy to fill you in AND if you wish to include a donation to the Ely Education Foundation, Ely Community Resources, East Range Hospice, Ely Baseball Association, or Ely Friends of the Library, we will send you one of his puzzles!
In parting, here is a poem he shared once, but we ran short of time to read at the service: "The Guy in the Glass" (sometimes incorrectly called "The Man in the Mirror") by Dale Wimbrow, 1895-1954 (also note the word "pelf" in 1934 when the poem was written, means wealth or property.) A lot has changed on earth in 83 years, but the human spirit maintains. --------------
When you get all you want and you struggle for pelf,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your mother, your father or wife
whose judgment upon you must pass,
but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he's with you right to the end,
and you've passed your most difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world,
down the highway of years,
and take pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
if you've cheated the man in the glass. ------------------------------------------
From the time Merle went into the hospital (and we thought we lost him) on Aug 25th, until his peaceful death (at his home in town) on Oct 14th, anyone close - his care team, his family, or his "Ely family" - can attest that the glass was perfectly round and the guy looking back had a full heart. Go in peace----
A scholarship in Merle Lunceford's name is being set up through the Ely Education Foundation. Each year diligent recipient(s) will receive the monetary award to further their education, a compilation of stories - shared here, on the Kerntz site, as well as at the service - a puzzle (with a circle, "I love Ely sticker"), and a jar of pickles.
If you were not able to make it to the service (and that's fine...Lunce would not have wanted you to miss family time, drive long distances, etc etc!) and are curious about the last two items, please drop us a note with your "Lunce story" (at PO Box 742 Ely, MN 55731) and we'll be happy to fill you in AND if you wish to include a donation to the Ely Education Foundation, Ely Community Resources, East Range Hospice, Ely Baseball Association, or Ely Friends of the Library, we will send you one of his puzzles!
In parting, here is a poem he shared once, but we ran short of time to read at the service: "The Guy in the Glass" (sometimes incorrectly called "The Man in the Mirror") by Dale Wimbrow, 1895-1954 (also note the word "pelf" in 1934 when the poem was written, means wealth or property.) A lot has changed on earth in 83 years, but the human spirit maintains. --------------
When you get all you want and you struggle for pelf,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your mother, your father or wife
whose judgment upon you must pass,
but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please,
never mind all the rest.
For he's with you right to the end,
and you've passed your most difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world,
down the highway of years,
and take pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
if you've cheated the man in the glass. ------------------------------------------
From the time Merle went into the hospital (and we thought we lost him) on Aug 25th, until his peaceful death (at his home in town) on Oct 14th, anyone close - his care team, his family, or his "Ely family" - can attest that the glass was perfectly round and the guy looking back had a full heart. Go in peace----
A candle was lit by Tom and Kathy McDonald, Eric, Tomi, Mariah and Adam
on October 22, 2017 8:24 PM
A candle was lit by Matt and Marie (Vertin) Baudek
on October 22, 2017 6:36 PM
A candle was lit by Colleen Wick Clements
on October 22, 2017 6:18 PM
A candle was lit by Annie, Matt & Brooks Brenny
on October 22, 2017 5:39 AM
Message from Bonnie Hernesmaa
October 21, 2017 5:55 PM
Merle was a kind, compassionate, true friend at the time of my son's death and years after. Sympathies to the family and all who valued his friendship.
Godspeed Lunce-
Godspeed Lunce-
A candle was lit by Carleen & Marv Lunceford
on October 20, 2017 8:58 PM
Message from Mike May
October 20, 2017 8:10 PM
Lunce was probably the most influential teacher that I ever had. He recognized the individuals that were in his class and understood our true capabilities. His teaching made it possible for me to become an engineer - even though I only had classes with him for two years.
Thanks, Lunce.
Thanks, Lunce.
A candle was lit by Mike May
on October 20, 2017 8:05 PM
A candle was lit by Nichole (Scheuer) Farkas
on October 20, 2017 5:39 PM
A candle was lit by Bill and Sheryl Lunceford
on October 20, 2017 7:33 AM
Message from Arlin and Darla Elsen
October 20, 2017 6:56 AM
Marv, Wanda and Marlys - Sending you sympathy and condolences in Merle's passing. May God wrap his arms around you during this time.
A candle was lit by Bob Anderson
on October 19, 2017 7:04 PM
Message from Tom Coombe
October 19, 2017 2:19 PM
Lunce was without a doubt a legend in Ely sports history, and an icon of the Ely School District. He took care of his 10-year old batboy, offered advice to him when he reached his 20s and 30s and carried on many great conversations as he grew older. Mathematician, historian and mentor, Lunce told it how it is and was as only he could do. Run in to Lunce at Zup's or the post office or the sidewalk, and you needed 20 minutes or longer, but those were always minutes well spent. Rest in peace Lunce, and thank you.
A candle was lit by Tom and Hollee Coombe; and Jacob, Robert and Macy
on October 19, 2017 2:14 PM
A candle was lit by Janice and David Kastelic
on October 19, 2017 1:31 PM
Message from Mike Coombe
October 19, 2017 1:03 PM
Lunce was one of the best people I met in my life. Great teacher, friend coach and umpire. Lots of memories trying to grow up in Ely and on Burntside Lake. A great mentor who will be missed by many of us.
A candle was lit by Larry Bense
on October 19, 2017 9:32 AM
A candle was lit by Julie Whiting Rhein
on October 18, 2017 7:03 PM
Rest in Peace Merle, i miss our visits & talks in Zup's...
Rest in Peace Merle, i miss our visits & talks in Zup's...
A candle was lit by Julie Whiting Rhein
on October 18, 2017 6:51 PM
Message from Doug Luthanen, class of '67
October 18, 2017 12:33 PM
I had the privilege of having Merle coach our tennis team. This provided many hours of conversation en route to and from matches. He was a good life coach effectively using a combination of benign sarcasm and genuine praise. Over the years he generously took my phone calls when I had questions about math or sports rules. I'll miss our conversations.
A candle was lit by Mary McGrane
on October 17, 2017 5:36 PM
A candle was lit by Mike & Sue Meskill
on October 17, 2017 2:51 PM
A candle was lit by Gena (Gresly) Rees - class of 1987
on October 17, 2017 12:09 PM
Message from Betty Erickson
October 17, 2017 10:28 AM
RIp Lunce! Will miss the chats in Zups.
Message from Dick Maki
October 17, 2017 6:51 AM
Great man who made an impact on my brother and I. Thank you . You will be missed.
A candle was lit by Dick Maki
on October 17, 2017 6:47 AM
A candle was lit by Julene, Kevin, Sarah, Abby & Molly Bense
on October 17, 2017 5:38 AM
A candle was lit by Rick Anderson family
on October 16, 2017 9:01 PM
A candle was lit by John Perushek
on October 16, 2017 6:32 PM
A candle was lit by Gretchen Scheuer
on October 16, 2017 4:49 PM
Message from John Musich
October 16, 2017 4:42 PM
Dear Merle Lunceford Family;
It's been many, many years but I and those of us who had Merle as our math teacher in high school will never forget what an excellent teacher he was, and how he took a genuine interest in the welfare of each and every student. His ability to draw a back-handed perfect circle on the blackboard in geometry class never ceased to amaze us and will always be an iconic remembrance of our days with him. I was privileged to call him "Mr. Lunceford" back in the day, and Merle the friend in more recent years. I had a wonderful lunch with him in Ely two years ago - what a thrill to walk thru the memory lanes of EMHS with him! May he rest in piece....with a slide rule at his side in a perfect heavenly circle of all the wonderful dearly departed teachers of my/our era.
John Musich, MD Class of 1964
It's been many, many years but I and those of us who had Merle as our math teacher in high school will never forget what an excellent teacher he was, and how he took a genuine interest in the welfare of each and every student. His ability to draw a back-handed perfect circle on the blackboard in geometry class never ceased to amaze us and will always be an iconic remembrance of our days with him. I was privileged to call him "Mr. Lunceford" back in the day, and Merle the friend in more recent years. I had a wonderful lunch with him in Ely two years ago - what a thrill to walk thru the memory lanes of EMHS with him! May he rest in piece....with a slide rule at his side in a perfect heavenly circle of all the wonderful dearly departed teachers of my/our era.
John Musich, MD Class of 1964
A candle was lit by Todd, Heather, Oliver, and Emory Hohenstein
on October 16, 2017 1:40 PM
A candle was lit by John & Dolly Lindroos
on October 16, 2017 12:48 PM
A candle was lit by Larry Musich
on October 16, 2017 11:23 AM
Message from Paul Pelkola
October 16, 2017 10:24 AM
A great math teacher whose classes helped me to be a decent engineer. Still use the geometry and trig a lot.
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