Roy Macal

Roy Macal, age 94, of Decorah, IA, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, and also after 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday at the church. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Roy Macal, age 94, of Decorah, IA, died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 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. Roy Daniel Macal was born on March 24, 1922, the son of William and Rose (Lukas) Macal on the family farm near Ridgeway, IA. 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 on May 11, 1948, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, IA. 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 sixty-eight years: Imogene Macal, Decorah, IA. Five children: Lynn (Jay Walter), Minneapolis, MN, Christy (Jay) Hendrix, Tempe, AZ, Marlene (Vince Gamble) Dickinson, Pinehurst, NC, Joseph Macal, East Hampton, NY, and Mary (Steve) Knutson, Phoenix, AZ. 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, IA, and Helen (Henry) Schwartz, Seattle, WA. One brother: Leonard (Doris) Macal, Cresco, IA. One sister-in-law: Elberta (Dennis) Huinker, Calmar, IA. One brother-in-law: Victor Kovarik, Spillville, IA, 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.