Merlene Sue Hughes

Merlene Sue Hughes, 67, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, passed away from Covid-19 on May 6, 2020 at a local hospital.  A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.  (Social distancing measures must be followed.)  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, there will a maximum of 10 people at one time during the visitation.  Burial will be at Dakota City Cemetery in South Sioux City, NE.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Merlene was born on May 6, 1953 in Laurel, Nebraska to Bernhard and Emeline (Kuhl) Bock.  She graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1971 and then went on to graduate from Ellis School of Beauty in 1972.  Merlene was united in marriage to Phillip Hughes for 18 years.  They later divorced and she met the love of her life Charles Hagel, and were together for 32 years.  Merlene had various careers throughout her life, working as a hairdresser at Thacker Hair for 20 years, Donnealy Marketing, and at Tyson for the past 35 years. 

Merlene was an avid sports fan, known as the “Bookie” she would take and place bets on anything.   She also enjoyed bowling, playing softball, bingo, gambling, and traveling.  She always liked a good crime show, with NCIS and Criminal Minds being her favorites.  Merlene loved spending time with her family, especially her children: “Miracle Baby” and “Playmate”, which were her greatest accomplishments. Merlene will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Those left to honor her memory include her significant other, Charles Hagel; children: Kayla Hagel and Matthew Hagel; sister, Emogene “Emma” (Willie) Peters; brother, Franklin “Frank” Bock; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Bernhard Jr. and Clifford Bock; sister, Shirley Bock; and nephew Scott Frost.

Pallbearers will be: Sheyenne Bock, Tim Bock, Jared Baker, Corey Pierce, Brad Bock, Andy Fry, Jakob Hansen, and Nicholas Salas.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Hunter Frost.