Johnny Mengarelli

Johnnie Mengarelli passed away at home of his son on October 1,2023, at the age of 101. For the past 3 years, he was living with his son, Donny and daughter in law Jackie. Johnnie was born at home in rural South Eastern Kansas and graduated from Girard High School. His parents emigrated from Italy. Johnnie's Dad, Henry and his Uncle Dominic worked in the coal mines and farmed; Johnnie inherited his work ethic from his dad, mother and uncle. Johnnie learned to speak English when he attended first grade. Johnnie worked the fields with teams of mules and horses. He had a lifelong love of mules and horses which was passed to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Johnnie served in the US Navy as a Seaman First Class from January 1945 to the end of the war. Johnnie married Joan Duling in October of 1949. They shared 72 years together and loved dancing the polka. It is comforting to know they are reunited and enjoying their polka. They moved to the Yakima Valley in 1955. Johnnie had his Farmall Super M tractor and bailer shipped to Zillah, Washington via the railroad so he would be ready to work in the Yakima Valley. For years Johnnie did custom baling in the summer months from White Swam to Prosser. For dad's 101st birthday, Donny had the tractor restored and refurbished. This pleased Dad immensely and the tractor generated lots of memories. Johnnie learned to butcher on the farm in Kansas and he also used that skill to provide for his family. Johnnie and Joan owned and operated Mengarelli Pack, a USDA meat packing plant. Their work ethic is legendary. Johnnie kept ponies for his kids, and he always took the time to offer pony rides to his nieces', nephews', and other children. The memories of Uncle Johnnie's pony rides are frequently shared by those who enjoyed the ponies. Johnnie was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, daughter, Martha, his parents, Henry, Francis (Ponsi), brother, Augustine, ( Cleo), brother in-law, Merle Bailey, nephew Gene, niece, Rozelle, grandparents Camillo and Mary Ponsi. Johnnie is survived by: Henry (Patty), Mary Jo (Tony Andrews), Julie and Donny (Jackie). The Mengarelli grandchildren are Elyse, Johnny (Brena), Riley (Jennifer), Mario (Erica), Anthony Andrews, Anastasia Olney (Logan), Italia Quigley (DJ), Kaylynn Wingfield (Travis) and Krystal Wiersma (Levi). The Mengarelli great grandchildren are Kirra, Kaia, Kiley, Benelli and Mox, Jaxon Maras, Rigynn Walker, Raylan Olney, Ronin Olney, River Olney, Kaycin Quigley, Cora Quigley, Quaid Quigley, Caroline Wingfield, Cameron Wingfield and Ray Wiersma. Johnnie is also survived by his sister Rose Bailey, nieces, nephews and friends. Valley Hills Funeral Home, Zillah, is in charge of the arrangements, services will be October 9, 2023 at 11 am. Burial will follow after services at the Zillah Cemetery. Johnnie will be driven to the cemetery in horse-drawn hearse, driven by Donny. Military honors courtesy of the Yakama Warriors. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Johnny Mengarelli, please visit our flower store.