Christian Merkel Jr., age 94, died on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, while under the care of Ministry Ascension Hospice. He was born to the late Christian & Dora (Weigle) Merkel Sr. on November 30, 1923 in Chicago, IL. He met and fell in love with Dorothy M. Woller, and the two exchanged marriage vows on June 22, 1946 in Merrill. Sadly, she preceded him in death on April 24, 2016.
Christian worked as a machine operator at the Brokaw Paper Mill for over 30 years, until his retirement. He looked forward to deer hunting, and especially enjoyed his trips to Canada fishing and camping with his wife, Dorothy. Christian liked to play cards, particularly Sheephead. He also took pride in his tomato plants and orange marigolds, which he tended to on a regular basis. Christian was a member at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ.
Christian is survived by his sons: Gary (Pat) Merkel of Tonto Basin, AZ and Bruce Merkel of Warrenville, IL, two grandsons: Shawn (Angie) Merkel and Shannon (Stacie) Merkel, both of Merrill, three great grandchildren: Aaron, Alyssa and Macie Merkel, sisters: Alvina (Ron) Hornischer and Maria Plamann, and sister-in-laws: Phyllis and Marie Merkel. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Dorothy Merkel, sisters: Dorothea (Earl) Engel, Ruth (John) Kleinschmidt and Lydia (Gerald) Krueger, brothers: Edmond, Frederick and David Merkel, brother-in-law: Arthur Plamann and his dog: “Trixie”.
Per the family’s request, there will be no services held for Christian.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.