Monday, December 26, 2016 5:08 pm
Roy Macal, 94, of Decorah, died in the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at his home when the Lord’s handy man was called back to the shop. Roy was a consummate craftsman who was meticulous about every task he took on. He never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs and Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg officiating. Organist was Mary Beth Bouska. Cantor was Cindy Schissel. Soloist was Hannah Leeper. Hymns were “Here I Am, Lord,” “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art.” Lector was Christy Hendrix. The eulogy was offered by Lynn Macal. Offertory gift bearers were Jay Hendrix, Matt and Mitch Reum. Eucharistic ministers were Dick Guilgot, Dave and Julie Olson. Casket bearers were Matthew Reum, Mitch Reum, Andrew Donohue, Nate Donohue, Sam Knutson and Gabe Knutson. Interment was at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery, Decorah. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.
Roy Daniel Macal was born March 24, 1922, the son of William and Rose (Lukas) Macal on the family farm near Ridgeway. Roy attended rural country school and helped on the family farm. Roy worked for Skelgas and Thermogas then for Farm Service, hauling fuel oil for many years. He was united in marriage to Imogene Moellers May 11, 1948, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. Roy was a very handy man and could fix anything. He was a valuable asset while working for Ace Hardware in Decorah for 13 years. Roy loved to dance, play cards and to be with his family. Roy was a gentle, thoughtful, man among men — a truly compassionate friend who could name every person he had ever come in contact with, right up to the end of his time on earth. His astounding memory was the result of his love for all. He was a social being who thrived among people be it family, church, neighborhood or the community at large. Roy was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, was a fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus and served as president on St. Benedict School Board.
Roy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Imogene Macal, Decorah; five children: Lynn (Jay Walter), Minneapolis, Minn., Christy (Jay) Hendrix, Tempe, Ariz., Marlene (Vince Gamble) Dickinson, Pinehurst, N.C., Joseph Macal, East Hampton, N.Y., and Mary (Steve) Knutson, Phoenix, Ariz.; six grandsons: Matthew Reum, Mitch Reum, Andrew (Flo Reyes) Donohue, Nate (Amy) Donohue, Sam (Molly) Knutson and Gabe Knutson; three great-grandchildren: Mia Reum, Maya Reyes-Donohue and Santi Reyes-Donohue; two sisters, Irene Haskovec, Protivin and Helen (Henry) Schwartz, Seattle, Wash.; one brother, Leonard (Doris) Macal, Cresco; one sister-in-law, Elberta (Dennis) Huinker, Calmar; one brother-in-law, Victor Kovarik, Spillville; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose (Lukas) Macal; his son, Loren in 1956; one brother, William, in infancy; two sisters, Evelyn Kovarik and Agnes (Gerhard) Hellen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Christine (Timp) Moellers; one sister-in-law, Malinda Moellers; two brothers-in-law, Sylvester (Virginia) Moellers. Leonard Haskovec.
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