Jerome A. “Jerry” Merkel, age 81 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Health Campus in Batesville. Born November 5, 1943, in Batesville, Indiana, he is the son of Herman and Irene (Bedel) Merkel. He married Shirley Volk on July 25, 1964, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville.
Jerry served in the Army National Guard from 1962 – 1968 and was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1461, and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. He was a machine operator for the Hill-Rom Co. in Batesville for 44 years, before retiring in 2007.
After his father passed, Jerry diligently cared for his mother, Irene, and brother, Bob, during both of their lives. Early on, Jerry was a member of league softball, and his team won the 1981 Indiana State Championships. Later in life, he became an avid golfer where he had a career highlight of a hole in one in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of Batesville; sister Theresa (Lawrence) Bedel of Oldenburg, Indiana and brother Ken (Missy) Merkel of Peppertown, Indiana, as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister Edith Lamping, brother Robert Merkel, and brother-in-law Joseph Lamping.
Visitation is Friday, August 22nd, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 23rd, at St. Louis Catholic Church, with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.