In the quiet towns and bustling cities across America, the passing of loved ones leaves behind not only grief but also a tapestry of memories, legacies, and heartfelt tributes. This week, two such stories—those of Edward A. Mikuszewski Jr. and Judith Kay Merkle—have touched their communities and inspired reflection on lives well-lived and the traditions that help us say goodbye.
Edward A. Mikuszewski Jr., whose obituary was published on September 23, 2025, is being remembered in a unique and touching way. According to the published notice, a nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in his honor on a day of the family’s choosing. While details about his life and accomplishments remain private, the gesture of a ceremony in the nation’s capital speaks volumes about the respect and affection he inspired. Such tributes in Washington, D.C. are often reserved for those who have served their country or community with distinction, underscoring the significance of this honor for Edward Mikuszewski Jr. and his loved ones.
The obituary further invites friends and family to share memories, send flowers, plant trees in his memory, or make donations as requested by the family. The guest book, as of the publication date, had not yet received entries, but the call to remembrance is clear: “Please consider a donation as requested by the family. The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.” These words, simple yet profound, encapsulate the collective desire to honor a life, however quietly, and to provide solace in ritual and remembrance.
Meanwhile, in Highland, Illinois, the community is mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Judith Kay Merkle, who died at the age of 80 on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Cedarhurst in Highland. According to Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home, Judith’s story is one of deep roots, steadfast devotion, and quiet strength. Born on March 23, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Judith—known as Judy to her friends and family—grew up in St. Jacob, Illinois, and graduated from Triad High School in 1963. That same year, she married Waldo J. “Bud” Merkle at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland, beginning a partnership that would last nearly five decades until Bud’s passing in 2012.
Judith’s life was marked by a balance of family devotion and professional achievement. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce, joining State Bank of St. Jacob in 1977. Over the years, she rose to the position of Vice President, retiring in 2010. Colleagues and customers alike admired her “steady presence, professionalism, and genuine kindness.” These qualities not only defined her career but also set a standard for those around her, making the bank more than just a place of business—it became a community anchored by her integrity and care.
Travel was a shared passion for Judith and Bud, and together they explored distant places, from the icy wonders of Alaska to the sun-drenched Caribbean, the marvels of the Panama Canal, and the unique landscapes of New Zealand and Australia. Yet, for all her global adventures, Judith found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of home. She loved walking her faithful dog Cookie, gathering with her close-knit group of friends—the “Golden Girls”—and sharing meals, laughter, and shopping trips with them. These moments, though ordinary, were imbued with the warmth and generosity that characterized her approach to life.
Family was always at the center of Judith’s world. She was, as described in her obituary, “the heart of every gathering—gentle, generous, and endlessly supportive.” To her children, she was a steady guide; to her grandchildren, a source of unconditional love; and to her in-laws, the “best mother-in-law you could ask for.” Her faith, too, was a cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church, Judith lived her beliefs quietly but firmly, embodying compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart. She gave selflessly, listened deeply, and made everyone feel valued and loved.
Judith is survived by a large and loving family, including her children—Diane R. Gilomen, Monica L. Hurford, John W. Merkle, Kimberly S. Marchal, and Dr. Stephanie L. Bosslet—and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The obituary lists each by name, a testament to the close bonds she fostered throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband Bud, her parents Milton and Vada Prange, and her brother Thomas M. Prange.
Arrangements for Judith’s farewell were handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland. Visitation was scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM officiated by Rev. Scott Busacker. Interment was to take place at Highland City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Hope Lutheran Church, reflecting Judith’s enduring commitment to her faith community.
Obituaries like those of Edward A. Mikuszewski Jr. and Judith Kay Merkle serve as more than just announcements—they are invitations to remember, to gather, and to honor. They remind us that every life, whether marked by public ceremony or the quiet rhythms of family and work, leaves an indelible mark on those who remain. The rituals of remembrance—whether a nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. or a church gathering in Highland—offer comfort, closure, and a chance to celebrate the stories that shape our communities.
As families and friends come together to mourn and to remember, they also reaffirm the enduring bonds of love and memory. In the words of Judith’s obituary, “She gave selflessly, listened deeply, and made everyone feel valued and loved.” That legacy, echoed in acts of tribute and remembrance, continues to inspire long after the final farewell.