Vivian June Poach

Vivian June Poach, 87, a resident of Merced left for her Heavenly home on March 20, 2023. Vivian was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Lloyd Poach and Vivian is survived by her 5 children, Kim (Robert) Reinert, Nancy Heagy, Curtis (Caroline) Poach, Connie (Kevin) McBride, and Bryan (Monika) Poach. She will be lovingly remembered by her 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Vivian was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to parents Laurits and Bertha Melby, and grew up on a farm in Comstock, Minnesota.  Vivian was the 8th child in a family of 10 siblings. Four sisters, and one brother preceded her in death. She is survived by four brothers Lynn Melby, Alan Melby, Rodney Melby and Gary Melby all living in Minnesota.  Vivian graduated high school in 1953 from Comstock High and was valedictorian of her class. After high school Vivian attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and met Lloyd Poach they were married in 1954.  In 1961 they moved to Merced with their 4 young children, after Lloyd accepted a teaching position at Merced High School. After having her last child in 1964, Vivian decided to dedicate her life to being a wonderful mother and homemaker.  To help make ends meet Vivian worked many years every summer at the Tri-Valley Growers cannery in Merced, as a lab technician.

Vivian and Lloyd were members of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church since 1962, where she enjoyed serving the church, singing in the choir and studying the bible. Vivian loved to play bridge and belonged to several groups, sometimes playing several times a week.  Before her husband passed away, they started playing golf almost daily and she continued her passion for twenty years. Vivian was a member of the Merced Garden club and enjoyed tending her garden and growing African violets.

Funeral services will be held 9:00 am Friday April 14, 2023, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1455 E. Yosemite Ave. Merced. Private burial will be in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Memorial Fund.

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