White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

WALKER – Richard A. “Rick” Merkel, 54 years old of Walker, IA, and formerly of Jesup, IA, died at his home Tuesday, April 10, 2012, following a lengthy illness.  He was born December 12, 1957, in Independence, IA, the son of Robert Arthur Merkel and Patricia Marguerite McGrath.  He graduated from Jesup High School, Jesup, IA with the class of 1976 and then attended Grandview College in Des Moines.  Rick was employed the past 21 years by the City of Marion where he was a supervisor in Waste Management and Recycling.  He had also worked at John Deere, Bremwood Lutheran Home, and as a heavy equipment operator for road construction.  He was an avid outdoorsman and was known for his dog training ability.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Rick is survived by his parents, Robert and Patricia Merkel of Jesup; one sister, Kathleen (Tom) Perry of Mt. Pleasant; two brothers, Daniel (Christine) Merkel of Shell Rock, Randall (Teresa) Merkel of Independence; nieces and nephews, Kim (Graham) Hott of Marion, Adam (Jennifur) Merkel of Cedar Rapids, Kendra Merkel of Woodward, Janelle Merkel of Cedar Falls, Jared (Marisa) Merkel of Manning, Tricia (Michael) George of Waterloo; also great niece, Sydney Hott and great nephews, Dylan Hott and Anthony George.  His grandparents and one nephew Derek Merkel (2005) preceded him in death.

A Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. – Saturday, April 14, 2012, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, IA, with inurnment at a later date in St. Athanasius Cemetery, Jesup. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 13th at the White Funeral Home, Jesup, where there will be a 5:30 p.m. Parish Rosary and 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service