Merna L. Witzel Obituary
A memorial service will be held with the date and time to be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support repairs for Merna's home. Messages of remembrance can be sent to [email protected], or voice notes and photos can be shared on Whats App Link or Facebook.
Merna's legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in the many lives she touched. She now rests in the promise of her Savior, waiting for the day when we will all be reunited in heaven.
Merna Lenore Yeatts Witzel, age 90, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by family. Born on September 20, 1934, in San Jose, California, Merna was the beloved daughter of Roy Oliver Yeatts and Helen Doris Hambley Yeatts. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Earl Walter Witzel, whom she married on May 20, 1957, in Anchorage, Alaska. Earl passed away in 2016.
Merna graduated from Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana, in 1952, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loma Linda University in 1961. Her passion for healthcare and serving others defined her career, especially during her 21 years as a missionary in Brazil. She played a crucial role in establishing a high school nursing program at ENA (Educandário Nordestino Adventista) and later contributed to the development of IAENE, now known as Faculdade Adventista da Bahia. Merna also ran an orphanage for 30 girls while teaching English, health, and nursing courses.
Back in the U.S., Merna continued her nursing work at Columbus Hospital and Wisconsin Academy. Her dedication to service extended beyond her career, as she volunteered tirelessly in church missions and community events. Merna and Earl were founders of the Thanksgiving Meal tradition at Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where Merna also served as deaconess and fellowship luncheon (potluck) coordinator.
Merna was known for her warm smile, helping hands, and a heart that always sought to lighten the burdens of others. Her home was filled with the love of sewing, crocheting, gardening, and cooking. She found joy in making birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and even bread for fundraising. A devout member of the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church since 1991, Merna lived her faith with grace, inspired by her favorite verses from John 14:1-3 and hymns like Day is Dying in the West and When We All Get to Heaven.
She is survived by her children: Keith Walter Witzel (Vera Rubia Sena Witzel), Kathleen Joy Witzel Barbosa, and Kimberly Sue Pichot (Marcel Henri Pichot); her grandchildren: Travis Dain Witzel (Carissa Marie Paquette Witzel), Rachelle Erica Pichot, Alain James Pichot, and Valerie Alexia Pichot; and a host of family and friends who will dearly miss her presence.
