Dr. Merrill Abeshaus, Flagstaff community member for over 50 years, died on March 14, 2025 at 86 years of age.

Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania in 1938, he is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rhoda (Jaffe) Abeshaus. He is also survived by his children Robin Abeshaus (Stephen Kalm), Mickey Abeshaus (Michelle), Cheska Komissar (Jan), and Ivan Abeshaus (Wendy Osborne), grandchildren Jaffe Abeshaus, Joshua Abeshaus (Kate), Shane Abeshaus, Anna Kalm, Evan Kalm (Mykaila Berry), Jacob Komissar, and Josef Komissar, great-granddaughter Lili Abeshaus, brother Alan Abeshaus (Sandra), sister-in-law Selma Abeshaus, and his faithful Rottweiler Lucy.

Merrill moved with his family to Flagstaff in 1972 where he became the first full time orthopedist in Flagstaff and founded Northern Arizona Orthopedics. He was chief of staff of the Flagstaff Hospital when the current hospital was built and was instrumental in building what is now the North Star Medical Building. Along with two other families, Merrill and Rhoda founded Flagstaff's first synagogue, Heichal Baoranim (Temple in the Pines). Merrill served on the Heichal Baoranim board for many years and was instrumental in helping develop the Chabad Center in Flagstaff and welcoming Flagstaff's first full-time rabbi.

Dr. Abeshaus has also been involved in many other local efforts over the years. He served on the Flagstaff Beautification and Public Art Commission and on the Flagstaff Symphony board. He also served on the NAU Lumberjack Athletic Association board as well as serving as its president. An avid supporter of NAU athletics, his "Go Get 'Em Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacks" cheer and cow bell still ring on the courts and fields of the NAU teams. He and his wife endowed a basketball scholarship at NAU for a student showing excellence in athletics, academics and community involvement. They also have provided a scholarship for the Martin-Springer Institute's summer program for educators to assist in Holocaust education efforts.

A funeral service will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary (914 E. Rt. 66) at 11:00 Tuesday, March 18, 2025, followed by a graveside service and then a luncheon at Chabad (930 West University Avenue). The service will be available via a zoom at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84871900165?pwd=hYJoeITVtsuY7WDiRIcH2TXBSFMEih.1

the password is: love

Shiva (an opportunity to visit the bereaved) will take place at the home of Rhoda Abeshaus, 1801 Hereford Drive, Flagstaff during the following times:

Tuesday night from 6:30 to 9:30

Wednesday 1 to 4 and 6:30 to 9:30

Thursday 1 to 4 and 6:30 to 9:30

Friday 1 to 4

Saturday 7:30 to 9:30

Sunday 1 to 4 and 6:30 to 9:30

Each evening there will be a short service at 7:00

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Chabad of Flagstaff, the Preservation Hall Foundation (Preshallfoundation.org), or a charity of your choice.