Merk leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Dolores; their children: Rick (Shelli Hau), Ron (Nancy), Terry (Michelle), Todd (Cheryl), and Cory. His sister Rita Shroeder, brother Kevin (Marlyne), sister-in-law Kathy, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jacqueline (Scott) McClare - Ettason, Everson, Ellis; Jessalyn (Lucas) Murphy - Irelan, Iselin; Jaden (Mishayla) - Kali; Kyle (Amber) - Kamden, Sophie; Brandi (Jason) Habib; Megan (Steve) Timm - Emma; Andrew; Riley (Chris Arnold); William Robertson; Cody; Braden; Andrea (Brad) Lander - Braxton, Ainsley; Jonathan (Stacie) Hau - Alexander; Ayrian (Shane) Hammermeister - Lucas; Cameron Du; Josh Radons.
He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Agnes Kapell, his brothers Francis and Alban, sisters-in-law Elizabeth and Mathilda, brother-in-law Chris Schroeder and great-granddaughter Eavan McClare.
Merk was born the youngest of five children on the farm in Windthorst, SK on Friday, May 15, 1936. He attended Rhineland School until grade eight before entering the work force as a heavy equipment operator for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration in Moose Jaw. He would then go on to drive gravel truck, spraying streets with crude oil, and moving oil rigs in Swift Current until he accepted a job as a mechanic in Vanguard, where he would meet and fall in love with Dolores Senicar, whom he made his loving wife on November 3, 1955. They would start their beautiful family with sons Rick (1959), Ron (1961), and Terry (1963). After ten years in Vanguard he moved his family to Regina (1965), where Merk would drive truck for CN Transport and complete their family with two more sons, Todd (1965), and Cory (1977). In 1967 Merk joined Acklands Grainger in Regina as a welding specialist, where he would work for thirty four years. He and Dolores retired to Windthorst in 2001. Yuma, Arizona was their favourite destination to escape the cold Saskatchewan winters, and they continued to make memories there for as long as his good health allowed.
The family will treasure some of their most precious memories made with Merk. Large family gatherings were held at Christmas along with many other special holidays throughout the year. Merk especially loved the summer vacations in the Black Hills with Dolores, his sons, their wives and his grandchildren.
He was known for his witty sense of humour and a laugh that made everyone around him happy. His easy going personality always made him fast friends with anyone he met. His extensive knowledge and experience gave him an ability to fix or build anything and a willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He is loved and will be missed immensely by his family, friends and all that knew him.
Anyone who wishes to join the family virtually for Merk's funeral service, please go to Dolores Kapell's facebook profile at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021 to see the livestreaming.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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