Anton "Tony" Arthur Merkel

Tony was born in Ashley, North Dakota in 1939 to Adam and Clara Merkel. He moved to Tacoma with his family in 1955. Tony was proud to have graduated from Stadium High School where he sang in the Madrigal choir, and from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He held a deep love for his country and actively supported political campaigns, serving as president of the Pierce County Young Republicans in 1966.

Tony began working at an early age delivering newspapers, sweeping the barbershop and setting pins at the bowling alley. He held numerous jobs growing up and was well known as a hard worker. After many years of work in the building materials industry, Tony realized his dream of owning his own business in 1989 and worked tirelessly to see his business flourish. He loved being close to the water and yearly vacations at the ocean were a special retreat.

Tony was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he was active on the building committee, served two terms each as president and vice-president of the congregation and sang in the choir.

Tony married his wife, Lois, in 1962 and celebrated 47 years of marriage this year. Tony was a devoted husband and father whose greatest joy was providing for his family. His favorite moments were those when his wife, children and grandchildren were home safe and happy. Tony instilled strong values in his family including love of God, a sense of history and patriotism for our country, the significance of a unified and loving family, a strong work ethic and the importance of sharing with those in need.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Millie Silcott, his niece Georgiann Elliott and his nephew Tim Silcott. Tony is survived by his wife Lois, son Glenn Merkel, daughter Lynn Swanson & husband Eric, and daughter Deann Holliday & husband Brian. Grandchildren Daxon and Camden Swanson will forever miss their Papa Tony. Tony is also survived by his sister Ramona Merkel, sister and brother-in-law Gladys and Robert Gunter, sister Ann Rapp and several nieces and nephews.

Viewing is Friday, July 17, 10 AM to 5 PM at New Tacoma Funeral Home. Funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 18, at Zion Lutheran Church, 3410 6th Avenue, Tacoma, with graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the ALS Association in memory of Tony Merkel, 19110 66th Ave. S., Suite G101, Kent, WA 98032.

Tony will be in our hearts forever.