Marie R. Merkel, age 84, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in Merrill. She was born on April 19, 1935 to the late William and Sylvia (Buntrock) Sukow in Merrill. Marie attended and graduated from Merrill High School and went on to further her education at the Normal Teachers College. She met her soul mate, Edmond Henry Merkel, and the two exchanged marriage vows on May 26, 1956 in Merrill. Sadly, he preceded her in death on April 6, 1997. Marie was a teacher in every aspect of the word. She taught at Barns Creek and Hillside for 7 years before teaching at Trinity Lutheran School for 33 years. Marie would teach all subjects to the 2nd and 3rd graders, and often was a substitute teacher at St. John Lutheran Church after her retirement. She truly had a gift of teaching and a servant’s heart. Along with teaching, Marie would read at Head Start, was very active in the Trinity Ladies Aid, Dorcas, the decorating committee and the Alter Guild. Her faith and volunteering were very important to her. Marie was a member of the Merrill Historical Society, a volunteer in the gift shop at Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill, active in the German Club and was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association. First and foremost in Marie’s life was always her family and she looked forward to seeing them as much as possible. She was an excellent baker and cook and loved sharing her talent with many. Marie looked forward to attending her card clubs, and especially loved to play Sheepshead, which she and Edmond would do quite often. She also enjoyed gardening and various activities with her friends. Marie was very social and had a kind and giving soul. She will be sadly missed but remembered with love.
Marie is survived by her children: Steven (Mary) Merkel from Eau Claire, WI ; Kristie (James) McMichael from Hernando, FL ; Kay (Gregory) Ludvik from Minneapolis, MN and Amy (Peter) Grefe of Merrill, WI, 10 grandchildren: Jason, Brian, Sarah, Allison, Patrick, Trevor, Geoffrey, Megan, Alec and Laura, 7 great grandchildren and 1 soon to arrive, siblings: Wayne (Carol) Sukow of Farfax, VA, Lois (Ronald) Hintz of Kent, OH, Henry (Barb) Sukow or Greenville, WI and Gloria (David) Plamann of Kewaunee, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Edmond and sister: Elida Woller.
The funeral service for Marie will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Pastor Adam Rodriguez will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial at Snow Hill Cemetery in the town of Scott will immediately follow the service. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.