JERRY MEHLIN

   Jerry K. Mehlin, 84, of Stella, passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt. He was born Aug. 21, 1932 in Auburn, the only child of George and Lois (Korber) Mehlin.
    Jerry was raised on the family farm and attended country school. He graduated from Bratton Union High School with the Class of 1950.  It was at Bratton Union where he met Bonnie Lewis. The couple married at Corryell Park outside of Auburn on Dec. 23, 1951.  
    After his primary education, Jerry began work on his family farm north of Humboldt. He then worked at the Southeast Consolidated School District as a maintenance man. Jerry found his calling after working with Jess Barker at Shubert Plumbing. He bought out the business and moved it to Main Street in Stella as Mehlin Plumbing, Heating and Electric, which he owned and operated for 30 years.
    In his retirement, Jerry enjoyed helping farmers with the harvest at the local co-op. His free time was spent in his woodworking shop, fishing with his sons and grandsons, hunting, and camping with his wife. He was a longtime member of Stella Community Church.  
    He was preceded in death by his parents.
    Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Bonnie Mehlin, of Stella; children, Keith (Cathy) Mehlin, of Beebeetown, IA, Kerry (Michele) Mehlin, of Grand Island, Jerry “Mike” Mehlin of Beatrice, and Lisa (Steve) Chase, of Seward, NE; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
    Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 at the Stella Community Church, with Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery north of Humboldt. The family requests memorial contributions to charities of personal choice, with a preference to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s research. Online messages of condolence can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com