Bill was my uncle and partner to Denis and I always called Denis  uncle Denis too. I loved spending time with them both and was fortunate enough to see them often in Florida and Georgia and cherished every moment I had with them and Myself Les and Lola too. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years already.  My mom, Barbara, Bill’s sister, joined the heavenly group on 11/24/21 and I just know they’re all together now having a grand time behind the pearly gates of heaven laughing and watching over us all.  You may be gone but you are never forgotten.  

Love,

Sandy

Dear Family,

My heart and prayers go out to you on this anniversary day!



"Mr. Merkle" was my next door neighbor growing up and I played with his sons every day.  Each night he played the organ like a lullaby that drifted to our house.  My parents would say "It's time for bed!  Mr. Merkle is playing his organ!"  It was a ritual.  He was always warm and kind and he and my mother shared recipes.   I adored his sons and had the best childhood growing up with them as my playmates (and at times my algebra tutors).  I'd love to reconnect with them and reminisce about their dad.  I'm at janetriley@comcast.net     Wishing you peace in the land of rainbows Mr. Merkle!   And wishing your boys blessed memories.

Like so many other residents at Randolph Farms, Denis was the first neighbor we met -- out sweeping the leaves  with his broom. Always smiling, such a kind and gentle man.  And oh so patient too  during the
8 month renovation of our unit right across the road from his home.
Although we only knew Denis for a short time, his welcoming spirit will always be a wonderful memory  for us. Rest in heavenly peace, Denis.

Jeff and Family, So sorry for your loss. We will miss our chats when he used to walk by our unit with his friendly dogs. Always had a welcoming smile, even during his declining health. Joe and Maria Picun   Unit 302

Denis,  Such a wonderful man....
Such a wonderful friendship....
So many heartfelt memories....
So much love.....
So much laughter with you and Bill......

You will be missed...  and never forgotten.

We will always cherish the friendship!

Heartfelt love,
Tucker and Melissa Moore

Our deepest sympathy to the family & close friends of Denis.  We were longtime patrons of The Frog Pond from it's beginning.  My Mother loved Bill, Denis & David.  She even became friends with  Bill's mom  & her group of friends.  They included her in activities outside the restaurant. That kind of place. Denis & Bill as well as David made everyone feel special & welcomed you by name, even remembered what your favorite food was!  Out of state company always wanted to go to The Frog Pond while visiting.  Hard work, attention to detail & wonderful food.  That lives on through David from Denis & Bill.  

My Dearest Denis,

I was his caregiver for 1yr and he is dearly missed. I remember when I first met him he was so happy go lucky. Denis and I add formed a bond that was like no other. We would take walks go down by the docks sit by the tree on the bench watch the boat the birds and the flying fish. He always seemed to make me laugh as the months went on it broke my heart to see such a wonderful man become broken. I would always tell him how special he was to me and what an amazing man he was. And every time I left I always made sure to tell him that I love him, God bless and peace be with you. His son Jeff took such incredible and prideful job of taking care of him. My heart goes out to the family in this time of sorrow. For it is not goodbye my friend but when I see you again I will be  there for you if you need me.

Loving memories,

Lisa...


Carol and I haven’t just lost a great friend, we lost three great companions. The first time we met Denis he was walking down the street with Lola and Miles, we had just purchased our unit. He saw us in the garage, walked over and said Hi with a big smile, I live down the street, by that time Lola and Miles were all over us. Every time Denis walked the dogs, if we were outside he would drop their leashes and they would come to our garage for treats.
To say we will miss Denis and his wonderful buddies, Lola and Miles, is putting it lightly, they were like family. Denis was very fortunate to have such a dedicated son, Jeff, I do not know too many that would give up their job for 2 years to care for a parent.  Denis you are now resting in peace. 
Joe and Carol Gilmartin


Where does one begin lets start 1987 when I met the two of you at the tides bath club.From there it was an instant friendship with you and bill.We grew very close spending practically every day with you and bill.Then 1989 when you gained the frog pond back was another challenge which the two of you where always up for.From the day forward it was a growing experience you Denis teaching me the details of the kitchen to a point that the two of you felt good enough to vacation and spend what time you two had to do the things you always wanted to do grow friendships in what ever are you where in.I am so thankful for the 31 years of knowing you and the knowledge you bestowed in me to enjoy the time together . You will be missed as we know how much of a people person you where and I am sure bill is there at the gates with open arms ready for another project for you to do and to serve everyone a wonderful breakfast and some banana delight love David Hitterman

Denis was a kind and gentle man, who touched our life and made us grow.  His entire family was there when they could be.
You can tell the apple does not fall far from the tree, when his son
quit his job so his dad could do things 'HIS WAY'.  What a fantastic
family he raised.  
How lucky I felt to be his friend.   I will miss him.

Denis was one of the first people we met when we moved to The Farm. I always enjoyed chatting with him when he was out in his driveway as I walked the dog. My granddaughter also liked getting attention from Denis when we went for walks. He will truly be missed.
Donna and John Jinks (and Rosella)

We have such happy memories of times with Bill and Denis at the Frog Pond, E & E, and Cody's, in Georgia...and then some.  When my mom (Nooks) passed, they swooped in with loving open arms for 
comfort, tears, and joyful laughter--two such beautiful souls.  May they together rest in God's heavenly peace.  Our deepest condolences to the family.

So many memories......never to be forgotten. Our love for you will never end. 
May all the wonderful memories help each of you get through this difficult time. 
Love,
Ben and Bill 

Jeff and Family. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Denis had a wonderful smile, his laughter carried throughout a room. His sense of humor and joy of life always present. Visiting Denis and my Uncle Bill where always such wonderful times.  I have so many great memories of Denis. Sending blessings during this time of loss. 

Jeff and Becky,

Was sorry to hear about my “Partner In Crime” leaving us. I was fortunate to have known him and Bill and the world will be empty Without his smile and wit. He loved life and now he will start a new one with Bill, Miles and Lola. What a great second act. 

Denis was my brother Bill's partner for nearly 40 years.(Bill died in 2012). Denis was such a caring,loving and thoughtful person.He and Bill founded the Frog Pond Resturant in North Redington Beach and were very successful. We will miss Denis very much.Here's to you Denis with a frosted brownie!!We love you Rich and Barbara.

Hi Jeff:
We live in Randolph Farms.  We moved here Oct 2014. One of the first people we met was Denis, Miles and Lola. We so enjoyed our chats while walking our dogs. He was so nice. 
As the years passed, we sadly saw him declining. Sweeping the driveway. Cleanest one at the Farm. Saw you walking with him, Miles and Lola. 
He always said hi and smiled. Pretended he knew who I was. 
Recently, I would enjoy chatting with you while you walked  the dogs. 
You are a wonderful son. You took really good care of your Dad. 
Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. 
Craig and Pat Patterson
Unit 1502
PS. I did not know that Miles and Lola had passed.  We are sorry for your loss. Happy they are all together. 

DENIS WE WILL MISS YOU SOOO MUCH, OUR YEARLY VISITS AND THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD LEAVE US WITH THE GREATEST MEMORIES AND GREAT SADNESS, SO SORRY YOU HAD TO LEAVE US BUT WE UNDERSTAND . WE ARE ALSO HAPPY THAT MILES & LOLA HAVE JOINED YOU,  EVERYONE BACK TOGETHER EH BILL.
 MUCH LOVE TO YOU FROM BARB&LUCY

I’m so very sorry to hear about Denis.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this time. Denis was with my Uncle Bill and I absolutely loved visiting the two of them when I could. We shared many laughs when we were together and they were both such loving and caring individuals. Denis will be missed but never forgotten.  

OBITUARY

Denis R Merkle

February 17, 1935 – July 22, 2020

Serenity Funeral Home

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