Karina (Karen) Merkle of Ann Arbor ,Passed away in her home on Saturday evening, May 18, 2013 following a long series of illnesses. She died peacefully surrounded by her children and husband. She was born on February 26, 1941 in Riga, Latvia. As a young child she accompanied her parents, Eric and Valentine Strosh, to Grand Rapids, MI where she spent her childhood. She was a graduate of Michigan State University where she also met her future husband, Roger Merkle. They were married in 1964 and have lived together in Ann Arbor for 48 years. Besides her husband, her family consists of three children and their spouses, Cynthia Noland (Dana Noland), Tanya Merkle (Corey Williams) and Christopher Merkle (Amy Merkle) as well as her pride and joy Golden Retriever, Lexie and German Shepherd, Casey. She took a great deal of pride in being able to help care for her four grandchildren, Ashley Noland, Eric Noland, Sydney Merkle and Benjamin Merkle in their early years. She also worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, The University of Michigan and Hampton Inn. She loved working in her garden, collecting and cooking new recipes, hiking, collecting art, spending time at their cottage on Lake Huron and travelling to new places. She was a unique and special wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed and loved every day and never forgotten. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 24, 2013 from 9am until 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Ann Arbor. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10am at the church. Burial will follow, at Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor. Arrangements entrusted to the Muehlig Funeral Chapel. www.muehligannarbor.com.
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