James E. Merkel, age 83 of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 2:49 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at home.
Jim was born in Celestine, Indiana on April 5, 1935 to William and Mary (Sander) Merkel. He married Virginia Kreilein on September 25, 1958 in Holy Family Catholic Church in Jasper. She preceded him in death on May 24, 2013.
He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, was a member of the American Legion Post #147 in Jasper, and was a member of the N.R.A.
Jim was a lifelong farmer.
He had a strong spiritual faith and was devoted to the Divine Mercy of Jesus. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Jasper and enjoyed contributing to local faith-based charities.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Surviving are one son, Greg Merkel (Peggy), Jasper, two daughters, Kathy Sternberg (Dave), Jasper, and Angie Welp (Albert), Schnellville, five grandchildren, Brad, Abby and Ryan Merkel, and Megan and Rachel Sternberg, one great granddaughter, Emery Merkel, six sisters, Esther Hasenour, St. Anthony, Rita Hasenour, St. Anthony, Mel Sermersheim, Newburgh, Joan Hasenour, St. Anthony, Mag Buechlein (Ronald), Jasper, and Clarissa Patterson (Louis), West Baden, two brothers, Bob Merkel, Huntingburg, and Ron Merkel (Judy), Alfordsville.
Preceding him in death beside his wife were one sister, Sandra Stetter, and two brothers, Ambrose Merkel and Melvin Merkel.
A Mass of Christian Burial for James E. Merkel will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Jasper with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. The American Legion Post #147 will conduct military graveside rites.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. The Holy Family Parish will pray the rosary at 2:45 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or a favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com
