Lloyd Casper Mergenthaler passed away Tuesday May 30th, 2017. Lloyd was born on March 18th, 1930 to Arthur C Mergenthaler and Bessie Goldsworthy at their home on Main Street in East Helena. Lloyd was born the 6th of 8 children.
As a kid Dad remembers the struggles and challenges faced by a family living through the Great Depression and World War II. He told many stories of growing up in East Helena and the many pranks that he and his friends played on other people. Dad would ride the bus to Helena for a nickel and remembers shopping in Downtown and going to movies at the old Marlow Theatre. Dad was a die-hard Yankees fan and as an elementary student he used to come home from school for lunch and listen to the Yankees games on the radio with his Dad. He was drafted in the Army and served in the Korean war from 1951 – 1953. Following his return home from the war, Lloyd went to work for the State of Montana where he met the love of his life, Theodora (Teddy) Sibley. They were married on June 11th 1955. In 1960 they purchased land on Lewis St. in East Helena and built a lovely home where they raised their family of 5 kids. He lived in this very home from that time until his passing. Dad learned to play the trumpet in Junior High and spent many hours sitting in a tree at his childhood home practicing. During this time, he learned to play the trumpet by ear and he and his sisters Hazel and Margie formed a band. They played for several years at church dances, social gatherings and several other venues. Most of the music they played came from listening to the songs on the radio and then playing them by ear at the dances. Dad was called upon to play Taps numerous times for military events such as Memorial Day and for funerals of fallen Veterans. Dad was a member of the East Helena VFW Post 10010 since 1954 and served as Post Bugler for several years.
Lloyd and Teddy joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1963 where he served faithfully in numerous callings. His favorite calling in the church was that of an early morning youth seminary teacher. He served in this calling for eleven years (many of those years he also served as a Counselor in the Bishopric) and loved the youth of the church. It was obvious that they loved him also as evidenced by their life-long friendships. Dad will be remembered for his love of life, his great sense of humor and his love and kindness to all that he met. After 18 long years he is finally reunited with Teddy, his sweetheart and eternal companion whom he loved and missed dearly. Lloyd was a Brother, Uncle, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Preceding him in Death are his wife Teddy, son Ken, grandson Kevin, sisters Dorothy Schaff, Bessie Kaltenbach and Margie Smith and Brothers Clarence and Lester. He is survived by his Sisters Hazel Krieger and Bertha Pietz, Sons David (Marci), Mike (Shannon), Greg and daughter Kathy (Gary) Dettmann; and daughter in law, Sue Mergenthaler; his nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 2nd in the Relief Society Room at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 East 6th Avenue, Helena, MT. A funeral service is scheduled at 11:00 on Frinday, June 2nd at the church with a reception to follow at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday June 2, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 2, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 2, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 5, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday June 2, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 2, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 2, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 5, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
Tom Naegele says
Dear Mergenthaler Family,
Lloyd was one of a kind and a very Fine Man, Father & Grandfather. His smile and good spirit always warmed my heart and I will miss him and his wonderful laugh. He was a faithful led gentleman and New York Yankees fan through & through. Just like my Father…his Spirit will live on in our hearts & soul. My supportive Prayers are with you all.
Lavonne Curtis says
Kathy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s grace and mercy surround you during this time.
flossie shaw says
Mergenthaler Family
I just saw Lloyd a few months ago at the DMV(Driver’s License Division) and we shared moments of years passed when Teddy was alive. It was so easy to get to know and love the both of them and difficult to say goodbye yet I find peace in knowing that they will now be together in eternal life.
Chris B Damon says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Imet your Mom and Dad while working at the Nugget they were wonderful people
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss. I will miss your dad.
Rudy Tomich says
Merganthaler family
I met Lloyd in 1978 when I went to work for Unemployment Insurance. Lloyd was easy to talk to and gave some good advice, both work and life related. I had a lot of respect for him as a coworker and as a person. The world has lost a great one. May God bless.
Katie Hurst Jennings says
Merganthaler Family-
I will always have fond and fun memories of Lloyd and Teddy. The world is a little less sparkly and fun without them in it. They were my first substitute grandparents-because mine lived far away. I am so glad that they’re back together again!
My family’s thoughts and prayers and love are with you all at this difficult time.
Terry Gustafson says
Merganthaler Family,
Well the world lost a really great man in Lloyd. I meant him when I worked a the Bullseye and he would come in for coffee and visit. I loved seeing him and ribbing him about the Yankees.. He always had a great story for me from days past.. The twinkle in his eye, his smile and laugh will be greatly missed.. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
John says
Sorry for your loss my deepest condolences to everyone
From John
DIANA Connick says
So sorry for the great loss of your Patriarch. I know you all will Rejoice that Lloyd and Teddy are with each other as well as the rest of the Mergenthaler clan that has paved the way for his eternal place with each other. Thinking of you both at this time.
james vook says
Lloyd was one of the nicest men I ever knew.
Jerry and Floss Foster says
Lloyd and Jerry became friends growing up living across the street from the Mergenthaler family. Lloyd and Jerry became hunting partners and were quite successful. We will miss seeing him and visiting. Jerry and Floss Foster