Obituary of Kelly A. Mersch

On Sunday, April 10, 2016, cancer won another battle, but Kelly Adam Mersch won the war. Death has no victory over a child of the King. Kelly passed away peacefully in his home on Hoag Road in Ashville, NY, surrounded by his family. Kelly was born November 17, 1964 in St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond, Indiana and was the son of Sharon Brooker Mersch of Schererville, IN and the late John Kenneth Mersch. He was a graduate of T.F. North High School in Calumet City, IL. An area resident since August of 1999, Kelly had been employed by the Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant since 2002. He was an active member of Panama Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including deacon for 8 years. Kelly's most vital ministry was on his knees; he was an active prayer warrior even throughout his illness. Kelly is survived by his wife, Gail Vindas Mersch whom he married October 19, 1996; a step-son, Michael (Kelley) Vindas of Jamestown, NY; and Gail's uncle, Melvin E. Bronson who, along with her late aunt, JoAnn E. Bronson, have resided with the Mersch's for over ten years. In addition to his mother of Illinois, also surviving are Kelly's sister, Wendy Laine (Chuck) Fonte of St. Charles, IL, and brother, Randall Tyler Mersch of Schererville, IN; two sisters-in-law, Donna (Joe) Blasczyk and Kathy (Dale) Lundmark; nieces and nephews: Jacqueline (Michael) Huff, Brooke Fonte, Nicholas (Kristin) Fonte, and Jennifer , Bobby (Kelly), Jeremy (Alison) and Josh (Chelsea) Lundmark; and great-nieces and nephews: Jordan Woodard, Zoey and Alex Huff, Victoria, Katherine, Xavier and Gabriella Lundmark, and Alexander, Brionna and Scarlett Lundmark. Kelly is also survived by his faithful companion, Rusty, who was always by Kelly's side or in his lap. He was preceded in death by his father, John, and a brother, John K. Mersch, Jr. The funeral will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Panama Baptist Church. Pastor Rodney Sprowls will officiate. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service, from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, 197 Summer St., Buffalo NY 14222; or to Panama Baptist Church, P.O. Box 188, Panama, NY 14767.