John "Leo" Merchant

John “Leo” Merchant, 82, of South Sioux City, NE, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family.  A funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 13 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Jackson, NE.  Visitation will be Friday, March 12, from 4-7:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at Mohr & Becker Hunt Funeral home.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Leo was born on March 1, 1939 in Jackson, NE to Edward and Mary “Mayme” (Hodgins) Merchant, where he grew up on the family farm. He enlisted in the United States Air National Guard on January 18, 1958.  He was united in marriage to Sheryle Stevens on June 14, 1958 in South Sioux City. To this union four children were born.

Leo began working for CB&Q Railroad in 1962, which later became Burlington Northern Railroad.  He continued to work there until retiring in 1990.  Leo also owned Merchant’s Welding/Carrie’s Muffler and Self-Storage in South Sioux City.

He was curious, creative, and hard-working his entire life. You could always find Leo at “The Shop” fixing and inventing new things daily. His numerous skills were greatly admired by family and friends. His kind-hearted personality touched the lives of many. Leo’s many hobbies included building his stock car, collecting and working on classic cars, camping, sharing stories, and training the family pets.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Sheryle Merchant, South Sioux City, NE; children: Scott (Celeste) Merchant, South Sioux City, Carrie (Mark) Closter, South Sioux City, Chad (Traci) Merchant, Dakota Dunes, SD; grandchildren: Justin, Anna, Trey, Rhett, Jordan, Hannah, Christian, Ava; great-grandchildren: Alaire, Stella, Molly, Dylan, Rocco; and a sister, Mary (David) Barnes, Omaha, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his 2 brothers, Raymond and Tim; sister, Shirley; and son, Craig Merchant.