Thomas W. Merkel Jr., age 88 of Oldenburg, died Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Margaret Mary Health. Born March 21, 1928 in Ripley County Indiana, he is the son of Rose (Nee: Schneider) and Thomas Merkel Sr. A farmer, he served in the army as a cook from 1954 to 1956. He married Louise Gehring April 3, 1954 at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg and she preceded him in death December 10, 1997. He married Florence Jaenan August 18, 2001 at St. John’s Church in Osgood and she survives.
If the old adage of “If you like what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” is true, then Tom didn’t work a day of his life. He loved farming and was one of the fortunate ones whose work was also his hobby. While not what you would call an avid reader, the kids do remember farm magazines always being plentiful around the house as he was looking to stay up with new innovations and practices. Free time would probably be spent doing a little fishing or out chopping wood. Although he didn’t watch a lot of T.V., he liked westerns, Dallas and Fantasy Island, always getting a kick out of Herve Villechaize as Tattoo. What he truly enjoyed was being with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Florence; daughter Lois Johannigman of Milhousen, Indiana; son Gary Merkel of Batesville; step-sons Alton, Ronald and Roger Evans, all of Moores Hill, Indiana; brother Leo Merkel of Morris, Indiana; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Louise and his parents, he is also preceded in death by sisters Rosemary Wurtz, Martha Gehring, Theresa Forthofer and brother Sylvester Merkel.
Visitation is Sunday, January 15th, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Monday, January 16th, at Holy Family Church with Rev. David Kobak O.F.M. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to the Batesville E.M.S. Lifesquad.