Janet Sue Merkel

Janet Sue (McClard-Jensen) Merkel, 60, of Machesney Park, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2011; with her family by her side after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born on July 23, 1950 in Cape Girardeau, MO. The daughter of the late Elbert N. McClard, Wanda and Robert King. She married Michael M. Jensen Sr. (1967-1989) then married Raymond J. Merkel Jr. on September 8, 1990. She worked for Physicians Immediate Care, Conseco, and Pioneer Life. She is survived by her husband, Raymond J. Merkel Jr.; children, Michael (Shelly) Jensen Jr., Scott (Jennifer) Jensen, Brandi Jensen, and Kimberly Merkel; grandchildren, Dustin, Michael III, Sierra, Noah, Stevie, Nicholas, Cheyanne and Kyla; parents, Wanda and Robert King; sisters, Edith (David) Jurgens, Rosealee (Emery) Backman, Patricia Downey, Cheryl (Dan) Lignell; and several nieces, nephews and greats. Predeceased by her father, Elbert N. McClard; step-mother, Rose M. McClard; brother, Ralph B. McClard and nephew, Ralph C. Morgan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. Also, a special thanks to Heartland Hospice and Dr. Edwards and staff at ACT medical group. Funeral services at 10 am on Friday, May 20, 2011 in Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Entombment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 5-8 pm on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the funeral home. Tributes to the family at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com