Louis E. Merwald
January 13, 1930-May 7, 2025
It is with both laughter and tears that we announce the passing of Louis E. Merwald, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who departed this life on May 7, 2025, at the age of 95. His journey was a living example of a life well-lived. A man of many talents and even more jobs throughout his life, Lou was a living testament to the idea that if something needed doing, he was your man—unless it involved sitting still.
Born on January 13, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, Louis embarked on a career in firefighting that spanned over 31 years. From firefighting to the array of other jobs he held throughout life he was the epitome of hard work.
Stubborn in the most admirable sense, Louis approached life with determination and resilience. He believed in the value of hard work, the power of perseverance and that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing himself—and probably better than anyone else. He had a tough exterior but deep down a heart of gold.
In his younger days, Louis served in the Army and had the rare distinction of witnessing one of the first nuclear bomb test, known as Operation Sandstone, at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands in 1948.
Louis was an avid supporter of Nebraska sports. Every Tuesday, without fail, he could be found at Tiger Tom’s Pub on Military Avenue, enjoying the camaraderie of his friends and golfing buddies.
Lou was a man of faith and found great strength in prayer. He set aside a time each day to reflect, pray and say the rosary.
Lou leaves behind a legacy of hard work and a multitude of experiences that enriched the lives of those around him. As his granddaughter Rhian stated, “We thought you would outlive us all”.
Louis was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret “Peg”; cherished son Steve; and his dear siblings. He is survived by his daughters Kathy Merwald (Mike Fahey) and Connie Hansen of Omaha; grandchildren: Nate and Erin Hansen, Chris (Whitney), Rhian Ray (Riley), Nick (Erin), Emily, Hannah, Ben and Donovan Merwald; Great-grandchildren: Margaret and Grace Ray, Ella and Louis Merwald; many other relatives and close friends.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, May 16, 2025, 10:30AM, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Drive, Omaha, with VISITATION beginning at 9:30AM.
PRIVATE INTERMENT: St. John’s Cemetery, Bellevue, NE.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
3 Comments
What a great Uncle and friend
Our lives have been filled with many stories and fun times with Uncle Louie – he was a go getter there was nothing he wouldn’t try many card games and family parties with all The Merwald family
He will be greatly missed
Lou was one of a kind. Fun guy. I knew Lou thru the Widow’s Group here in Omaha. So many stories he would tell. What a sense of humor. Sending love and prayers to his family.
We extend our sympathies to Kathy and Connie and the many grands in the Merwald family. Lou was truly one of a kind. We hold many memories of our times together in several states (and Costa Rica) over the years.
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