Robert A. Merkel, age 71 of Hamburg, died Saturday, October 31, 2020 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born May 26, 1949 in Batesville, he is the son of Irene (Nee: Bedel) and Herman Merkel. He worked 22 years for the Canada Dry Bottling Plant and 25 years at New Horizons as a material handler, retiring in 2012.
Bob was a member of the Knights of St. John’s Hamburg Commandry #276, Batesville Knights of Columbus Council #1461 and St. Anne’s Church and Holy Family Church after their merger. He loved to go fishing and play bingo. Bob also enjoyed listening to the Reds and Batesville High School sports on the radio and had a fondness for chocolate cake.
He is survived by his sisters Theresa (Lawrence) Bedel of Oldenburg, Eydie Lamping of Hamburg; brothers Jerry (Shirley) Merkel of Batesville, Ken (Missy) Merkel of Metamora and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Joe Lamping.
Visitation and funeral services will be private for family only. Fr. Carl Langenderfer will officiate and burial will be in St. Anne’s Cemetery. The family requests memorials to New Horizons or St. Andrew’s Activity Fund. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.