Merel E Kivlighn, Jr.

Memorial Graveside Services and Inurnment for Merel E. Kivlighn, Jr. will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Nebraska with his family sharing memories and officiating.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Oxford American Legion Post # 219 in conjunction with the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Merel Edward Kivlighn, Jr., 82 years of age, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016 in Lincoln.  He was born on September 8, 1933 in Orleans, Nebraska to Merel and Lucile (Goddard) Kivlighn, Sr.  Merel graduated from Oxford High School, with the class of 1951.

On March 21, 1953, Merel was inducted into the United States Navy.  On March 22, 1957, he was honorably discharged from Active Duty at the Naval Air Facility at Monterey, California.  He then served in the Reserve Capacity, being discharged on March 23, 1961.

Merel became an Airline Mechanic for Continental Airlines, retiring in 1995.  He enjoyed golfing at the Cardinal Country Club in Oxford and spending time with his family.

Merel was preceded in death by; his parents; a sister, Norma Jean Rankin; and a grandson, Jason Kivlighn.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Donna of Lincoln; two sons:  Gene Kivlighn and his wife, Diana of Dallas, Texas and Randy Kivlighn and his wife, Jennifer of Lynden, Washington; four grandsons; one granddaughter; two great-grandchildren; sister, Joanne Brown and her husband, Russ of Castle Rock, Colorado; sister-in-law, De Tonack of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Walter Rankin of Oxford; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring his wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Merel's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com .

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.