Merlyn J. Gaffey

Merlyn J. Gaffey 87, of Omaha, NE, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the Papillion Manor in Papillion, NE

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2019 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE with Mgsr. Ralph Steffensmeier and Deacon Paul Weeder officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE. Visitation will be Monday from 9:30 until service time, with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Merlyn John Gaffey, son of Francis and Mina (Donohoe) Gaffey was born on September 19, 1932 at Holbrook, IA. He attended grade school at Boyle Green in Holbrook, IA, and graduated from Parnell High School in 1951. Merlyn worked as a farmer and auctioneer.

On May 17, 1996 he was united in marriage to Iola Schademann Fox at Valley Falls, KS. Merlyn was a member of the Catholic faith and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his job as an auctioneer, but family time was very important to him. Merlyn also enjoyed playing and calling Bingo, and spending time at the Senior Center.

He is survived by his seven children: Lester (Karen) Fox of Stillwell, OK; Shirley (Jerry) Berney of Norfolk, NE; Linda Plummer of Lincoln, NE; Vernie (Eva) Fox of Valley Falls, KS; Karen (David) Galaska of Omaha, NE; Clara (Rodney) Hartson of Ruthton, MN; Fred (Robin) Fox of Mason City, IA; 42 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; sister Jeanne Malichke of Iowa; Goddaughter Karen Gaffey of Iowa City, IA; along with other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his wife Iola, his parents, two brothers: Thomas and James, sister Carmelita, maternal grandparents: James and Susan (Gray) Gaffey; his paternal Grandparents, T.F. and Julia (Griffin) Donohoe; grandchildren: Lynn Marie Fox, Daniel Eugene Fox, and Jason Cemper; great-grandchildren: Joseph Cemper, Elijah Kurtz, and Isaiah Kurtz.