Joel V. Merkel

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois, for over 25 years. He was a past president of the “GWB”, taking yearly trips to Las Vegas. He also was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 664, Fairview Heights, Illinois. He enjoyed barbequing, listening to 50’s music, and was an avid fan of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends but he most cherished the times spent with his daughter and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend; who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elinor, nee Huth, Merkel.

Surviving are his loving wife, Ramah Merkel, nee Scheibel, of O’Fallon, Illinois; his daughter, Kelly (Dr. Joseph) Robbins, of Martinsburg, West Virginia; two grandchildren, Beckett and Corinne Robbins; two sisters, Jana (Rick) Simon and Jayne (Les) Ross; nieces and nephews, Jeff (Michelle) Steigelman, Ryan (Amber) Ross, Mitchel Ross, and Katie Ross; a great nephew, Harry Steigelman; and many friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 10 to 12 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2015 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Funeral: Services will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, December 11, 2015 at the funeral home with Rev. Charles West officiating. Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.