Thomas O. Merkle, 70, of Helena Township died on Tue, Dec 7, 2004, at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.
Thomas was born Jun 1, 1934, in Utica, the son of Charles and Gladys (Lyon) Merkle.
He worked for many years as a maintenance employee for the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City and resided in Helena Township for most of his life. He enjoyed gardening and yard work.
On Jun 13, 1965, in Alden, he married Viola A. Smith, who survives. Also surviving are children, Patrick (Donna) Merkle of Colorado Springs, CO, Debra (Bruce) Crane of Alden, Denise (Dale) Harris of Athens, GA, Delores (David) Gorter of Mahwah, NJ, Thomas (Ann) Merkle Jr of Harrison Township; brothers, Ralph (Shirley), Jerry (Gladys), Robert (Lois) and Norman (Pat); sisters, Shirley (Eugene) Lewis, Mildred Fuller, and Marion Kluepfel; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Chuck, Don, Keith, and Virgil; and sisters, Gladys and Bernice.
Memorial services were held Fri, Dec 10, at the Alden United Methodist Church, with Pastor Chuck Williams officiating. Interment was in Helena Township Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.
