Marilyn Anne Merkel, born on March 30, 1938, in the idyllic farming community of Grinnell, Iowa, peacefully embarked on her journey to her heavenly home, into the loving embrace of Jesus, on April 17, 2024.
Marilyn's life was a tapestry of love, family, and remarkable adventures. She was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Fred Weaver, Sr. and Ida Madeline Barr Weaver, as well as her siblings Fred Weaver, Jr., Dolores Harrison, Warren Weaver, Garry Weaver, and her brother-in-law Howard Merkel and his wife Patricia. In addition to her immediate family (more below), she is survived by her sister-in-law Rosemary, brother Roger, brother-in-law Alan Merkel and his wife Catherine, and a number of nieces and nephews.
On August 26, 1959, Marilyn entered into a lifelong partnership with Charles Kent Merkel, embarking on a 64-year journey filled with love and adventure. Little did she realize what adventures actually lay ahead in her new role as a Navy wife. Their union led them from the quiet farms of Iowa to a life of service and exploration as a Navy family.
Their married journey began on Solomons Island, Maryland, where they established their first home. Marilyn's life blossomed with joy as she embraced the role of motherhood, welcoming their firstborn, Charles Kent Jr., after being transported while in labor by a crash boat to the Naval Air Station Hospital at Patuxent River, MD. Her heart overflowed with love for her growing family.
Their adventures continued as they welcomed Steven Alan during their time in Millington, TN, followed by Susan Anne's arrival in Toms River, NJ. Howard Brent completed their family circle during another stay in Millington, TN. Marilyn's devotion to her family was unwavering, and she poured her heart into nurturing her children, creating a warm and loving home wherever their Navy assignments took them, often alone as Kent’s assignments took him to distant locations for months at a time. Marilyn's warmth and generosity extended far beyond her immediate family. She collected friendships like treasures, fostering deep connections wherever life took her. Along the way, she gathered honorary children and sisters as her love knew no bounds, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing her.
Following Kent's Navy career, she transitioned seamlessly into the role of a Navy mom, supporting Chuck's service for 32 years. She continued as a Coast Guard mom for an additional 20 years during Howie's career. In total, Marilyn devoted an impressive 74 years of her life as a proud military family member, embodying the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and unwavering support for those who serve.
Despite her unassuming nature, Marilyn's life was adorned with remarkable achievements and hidden talents. In Key West, Florida, one of their favorite home bases, Marilyn learned to fly and earned her Private Pilot's license. Her talents extended beyond the skies; she could drive the family's VW Bus with a stick shift (with her homemade curtains hanging in the back windows!), commandeer a tractor on the farm, and pilot a plane with ease. Marilyn delighted in savoring a ripe tomato, freshly plucked from the vine, with just a sprinkle of salt from the shaker she cleverly hid in the garden.
In addition to her familial responsibilities, Marilyn dedicated 25 years of her life to Rockwell International before retiring. Marilyn worked tirelessly alongside Kent to put their children through college without assuming any debt. She later earned her Associates Degree at Collin Community College.
In their retirement years, Marilyn and Kent embarked on a cross-country journey in their RV, traversing 48 states, including Alaska and most of the Canadian provinces, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Marilyn's warmth and kindness endeared her to everyone she met; she never met a stranger.
Her specialty lay in making life better for all she encountered, with the simplest and kindest of gestures, elevating the mundane to the extraordinary. She had a unique ability to find beauty in everything and everyone, always lending a helping hand or staying up late to bake her famous cut-out sugar cookies or cinnamon rolls. She sewed and quilted and taught others along the way. If you had the privilege of knowing Marilyn, you likely possess one of her beautiful handmade quilts or embroidered towels or hand towels. During the pandemic, she and Kent sewed dozens and dozens of face masks to share with the hospital workers and friends and family. She lived by the Golden Rule, instilling that belief into her children, of whom she was immensely proud.
Every year at Christmas, Marilyn penned her annual Christmas letter, much to the amusement of her children. Over the years, these letters became cherished mementos, recounting the ebbs and flows of life with joyous memories.
Marilyn once had the unique privilege of holding a hummingbird in her hands, feeling its tiny heartbeat before releasing it back into flight—a poignant metaphor for her life.
Marilyn's legacy lives on through her survivors: her loving husband, Kent; and their children, Chuck and wife, Joslyn Merkel and their daughter Stacey of Kapolei, Hawaii; Steve and wife Kay Merkel of Omaha, Nebraska, and their daughters Lydia (and her husband Kevin Kraft and daughter Chloe and their baby on the way) and Alyssa (and her fiancé, Richard Drach) of Vancouver, Washington; her daughter Susie of Waxahachie, Texas; her son Howie of Sitka, Alaska, along with the grandsons he is raising, Zyan and Xzaired, and Howie's daughter Kalina and her son Vzarian.
At this time, there are no plans for a service. Kent and Marilyn will be interred together at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at the time of Kent’s passing. To honor her now, we invite you to consider planting a flower or tree in Marilyn’s honor symbolizing her lifelong commitment to adding beauty and brightness to the world. Alternatively, please perform a radical act of kindness to someone in need, embodying Marilyn's specialty in life—always thinking of others and ensuring they were cared for.
May Marilyn's soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire acts of kindness and love in the hearts of those she touched.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the family.
Arrangements by Ted Dickey Funeral Home.
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