Edward "Eddy" Lucus Meuchel

Edward Lucas Meuchel, 74, died at his home in Hamilton of natural causes, Friday December 3rd. "Eddy" was born in Morton County North Dakota in his grandparents farm house, June 23, 1936 to Vincent and Thecla Wetsch Meuchel.

Eddy along with his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunt, and big brother Vince piled in an open flatbed farm truck in the spring of 1937 and arrived in the Bitterroot Valley. He was a child of the dust bowl migration among scores of North Dakotans who sought new life in the lush Bitterroot Valley.

Following graduation from Hamilton High, Eddy went on to Carroll College. He was a brilliant academic. While attending college, Eddy suffered from mental illness that ended his hopes and dreams.

Few people in Hamilton don't know Eddy, they know who he is, they have seen him. Sue Wassum at IGA Deli says Hamilton has lost an Icon; he is a part of Hamilton. We lost a well-known face and friend. A lot of people are going to miss him, she said. He taught us patience and to be more respectful. Sue says, "He is resting in peace".

Rhonda Luedecke at Ravalli County Bank, remembers a gentle person. Everyone looked out for Eddy Luedecke says. He offered friendship and kindness. They were his gifts." Luedecke says, "He taught the entire community patience and understanding and he taught Luedecke not to take the small things for granted."

Sheryl Patzer, the owner of the Coffee Cup, says there is no way to replace Eddy. I don't ever remember a time without him. He was never angry, he was always happy. Patzer remembers he loved cherry pie with chocolate ice cream." "He made us all think of taking care of each other".

Eddy is the face of many faces of mental illness. Because of his gentle spirit, his kindness, his sweetness, the community saw fit to name a group home after him and after him alone. Enter the foyer of the Eddy Meuchel Home and you will find the inscription "In honor of your courageous spirit that brings forth passion of the lives you touch; your perseverance has taught us all that no obstacle is too great to overcome." Eddy's spirit will live on.

Eddy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bette (Bob) Olsen, brothers Bob (Sandy) and Jerry. He is survived by his brothers Vince (Dolores), Jim (Bobbi), John (Lori), Tim (Anita), and sisters Elaine Severson, Josie (Jim) Swanson, Tecky (Doug) LaFeve, Tina (Doug) Fausett.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation to the Eddy Meuchel Burial Trust c/o Daly-Leach Chapel, 1010 W. Main St., Hamilton, MT 59840.