Roger C. Merkle, 80, Gleason, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022 due to Covid related respiratory problems. Roger was born February 25, 1942 in Sturgeon Bay, son of the late Jacob and Eunice (Krueger) Merkle and was a graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School, Class of 1960. Roger’s passion was baking & cake decorating. He loved making his filled cupcakes and cookies for others. He worked at numerous bakeries throughout Wisconsin and even in Phoenix, AZ for a short time. Roger also owned his own bakery, Merkle’s Home Bakery in Weyauwega for a few years. He had a sense of humor and was quite the jokester. He loved listening to his polka’s and watching the Mollie B Polka Party & the Big Joe Polka show.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Annette (Kurt) Nierode, Gleason, and his grand-doggies Dusty, Izzie, and Pixie who he adored. He is further survived by his siblings: Wayne Merkle, Grafton; Glen (Tracy) Merkle, Sturgeon Bay; nieces: Pam (Steve) Krauel, Patty (Richard) Birnschein, Brenda Bagnall, Bonnie Bagnall all of Sturgeon Bay, Roberta (Rob) Ladd, and his nephew, Wayne/Peewee (Debbie) Merkle all of Grafton. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Jacob and Eunice Merkle, his sister-in-law Diane Merkle, and his beloved companion Max.

Per Roger’s wishes no funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a local Humane Society in his honor. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aspirus Hospital in Rhinelander and Wausau. Also to the Cardiac ICU and Palliative Care unit in the Wausau hospital. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS