Obituary of Merrill Merkle

Merrill James Merkle was born September 25, 1926 in Monroe. He was the son of the late Edward and Edith (Hoffman) Merkle. Merrill was a 1944 graduate of Monroe High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball his junior and senior years. He served his country honorably as a PFC in the United State Army, and volunteered to stay on as a security guard during the Nuremburg Trials. From 1950-1956 Merrill worked for Ford Motor Company. Merk joined Finkbeiner, Pettis and Strout of Toledo in 1957, in charge of architectural and utility drafting; becoming an associate in 1989, before retiring in 1994. Merrill was a left-handed pitcher playing several years for the St. Louis Browns, AAA Club later known as the Baltimore Orioles. Following his minor league career, Merk, was a member of the Monroe Athletic Football Club, Monroe Orioles Baseball, Ford Motor Company fast pitch, and later pitched a no-hit and no run slow pitch game behind excellent defense. He was active in local community sports serving as coach, assistant coach, umpire and assistant in supervising the Michigan ASA Umpires. Merk was an avid sportsman enjoying boating, fishing, and hunting. Merrill was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and a life member of the Matt Urban American Legion Post 40. Merrill James Merkle, age 85, of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a brother: Vernon, and sister: Betty Boudrie. To cherish his memory he leaves two daughters: Marilyn Merkle Dunning of Carmel, Indiana and Claudia (Joe) Balcer of Bartlett, Illinois; four grandchildren: Stephanie Dunning and Alex Dunning, Amanda Balcer and Jason Balcer; a niece: Lauren Merkle of Luna Pier; two nephews: Gary Boudrie of Erie and Mike (Chris) Boudrie of LaSalle; and two great nephews. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Friday, April 20, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. He will lie-in-state from 10:00am until funeral services at 11:00am, Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, 630 North Monroe. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Monroe Faith in Action, American Legion Post 40, or charity of choice. Online guests may leave condolences, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.