MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A funeral took place Sunday for an 8-year-old boy with an infectious smile and adventurous spirit, one of the two schoolchildren killed when a mass shooter opened fire at a Minneapolis Catholic church during Mass.
Hundreds of mourners gathered for Fletcher Merkel’s service, adorned in bright colors rather than somber black, per the family’s request. His aunt, Erin Shermak, told the Minnesota Star Tribune about his boundless energy and how he exuded generosity, often giving out flowers and trading cards just because.
“His gift to us was the chance to know him and love him,” she said.
The shooting on August 27 injured at least 21 others, predominantly students from Annunciation Catholic School. Officials identified the shooter as Robin Westman, 23, a former student armed with a rifle, pistol, and shotgun, who allegedly fired over a hundred rounds into the church windows shortly before 8:30 a.m. Westman was found dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A service for Harper Moyski, the 10-year-old girl also killed in the shooting, is scheduled for September 14 in Minneapolis. Her obituary described her as “pure magic,” a dog lover who aspired to become a veterinarian.
At Mount Olivet Lutheran Church on Sunday, speakers managed to smile and laugh through tears in tribute to Fletcher’s short life. Funeral programs with his portrait were held, bearing the words: “Forever loved, child of God.”
Mourners talked about his love of fishing, something he often did with his dad Jesse, and how he made friends wherever he went.
Fletcher was “always in motion,” a child who loved playing sports and trying out new foods, like pickled herring, according to his obituary.
Fletcher was recently and briefly featured on a local radio station when his mother Mollie called in so he and other children could showcase their best fireworks impressions for a contest.
Besides his parents, he leaves behind two brothers and a sister and his dog, Clementine.
Mourners included Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen.
