Josephine was born in Caro, Michigan, on January 28, 1946, to John and Sophie Wojciechowski. She was a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
After moving to Lansing, Josephine met and married Dennis Merkel, and the two of them built a life and a family together. She began her career as a nurse at the Department of Public Health before stepping away to raise her children. She later returned to her nursing career, working in extended care facilities where she touched the lives of many with her compassionate care.
Josephine was deeply passionate about arts and crafts, creating beautiful handmade baskets and other items, which she proudly sold at arts and crafts shows across Michigan.
She is survived by her sons, Matt and Steve; her grandson, Jake; and her siblings, Frances Toth and John Wojciechowski. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis, and her brother, Joseph.
A celebration of Josephine's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lansing City Rescue Mission, 2216 S Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48910, www.bearescuer.org
Josephine’s life can be summed up by the words she lived by, “Take care of each other.”
