Merilyn Ruth (Kurkowski) Mitchem, 93, or North Platte, Nebraska passed away on May 23, 2019 at North Platte Care Center.

She was born on May 8, 1926 in Ogallala, Nebraska to Max R. and Irene C. (Lyon) Kurkowski.  Her early years were spent in the Ogallala area.  Schooling began in Ogallala and continued in Perkins County in several rural schools and eventually to Grant, Nebraska where she completed her education, graduating in 1943.  During high school she was particularly active in music.  she played in the band and orchestra, sang in chorus, glee club, small vocal groups as well as some solo work.  She enjoyed good music of all kinds throughout her life.

After high school, Merilyn was employed by Knotwell Drug Store and later by L.A. Sullivan Department Store.

Merilyn was baptized as a baby and later confirmed in the Congregational Church, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior for the remainder of her life.

In 1947, she was united in marriage with Gene Mitchem in Grant, Nebraska.  They were blessed with one daughter, Gaylene.

Merilyn was active in her church, the church choir, American Legion Auxiliary, especially the Junior Auxiliary.  She was also a 4-H Club leader.  Her special interests beyond music were dancing, bowling, fishing on Lake McConaughy, crafts and watching her grandson, Jarod, play sports, especially tennis.  She enjoyed them all until her failing health prevented her participation.

Merilyn was a faithful and devoted wife and a loving mother.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Gene, of over 71 years of marriage; their daughter, Gaylene Lombardi and a very special son-in-law, Dennis Lombardi; granddaughter, Cyndi and her husband Danny Griffiths; grandson, Jarod and his wife Joelle; great granddaughters, Brookelyn Griffiths and Makenna Lombardi; and many other relatives and friends.

Merilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Irene Kurkowski; two brothers, Paul and Eugene (Whitey) Kurkowski; and a sister, Maxine Mizner.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  A memorial has been established in her name.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2019 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, 1616 West B Street in North Platte, Nebraska.  Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska.  Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in car of arrangements.