Marvin “Marv” K. Merkle, 74, of Coldwater, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at his home while surrounded by his loving family.
Marvin was born on November 15, 1944, in Van Wert, Ohio. He was the ninth child of ten from the union of Paul and Julia (Edwards) Merkle. He graduated as class president from Quincy High School in 1963.
Marvin enjoyed bowling, and had been the secretary of the Coldwater Men’s Bowling Association. It was during a bowling tournament he met his wife, Susan. They were united in marriage on September 8, 1979.
Marvin was a crew leader with Michigan Gas Utilities, he retired in 2007 after 42 years of dedicated service. He was a Vietnam Veteran, which he was proud to say. Marvin was a member of the Quincy American Legion. Marvin had been past president of the local Vietnam Chapter 730 of Branch County; also serving on the Branch County Veterans Board prior to his death. Being an advocate for veterans, he would encourage any veteran he met to seek benefits from the VA.
Marvin was also on the Branch County Commission on Aging Board. As a man of faith and a long-time member of the First Baptist Church, he always looked forward to his ushering duties, as one of his many gifts was greeting people.
He also volunteered Monday afternoons at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, where you could find him at the greeter’s station. No matter where Marvin went, he’d be sure to find someone to whom he would have a conversation.
One of Marvin’s passions was driving his classic and antique cars. He had won many trophies for his cars. He also enjoyed spending time fishing, farming, snowmobiling, and spending time with his family, especially his precious grandchildren.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan Merkle of Coldwater; his children Margaret (J.W.) Dyer of Williams, AZ, Tiffany (Rick) Fillmore of Quincy, and Thomas Merkle of Allen; his siblings Kenneth (Marilyn) Merkle of Van Wert, OH, Robert (Gloria) Merkle of Seattle, WA, Ruby Merkle of Coldwater, Gilbert Merkle of Seguin, TX, Richard “Dick” (Lois) Merkle of Union City, and Raymond (Yong) Merkle of Renton, WA; his brother-in-law Emery Bremer of Rochester, MN; his grandchildren Julia Dyer, Brody Fillmore, Cady Fillmore, Kody Fillmore, Lucas Merkle, and many nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Ralph Merkle, Donald Merkle; his sister Louise Bremer, and sisters-in-law Sue and Wanda Merkle.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am Friday, September 6, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater with Pastor Dave Pierce officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery with Military Honors by Coldwater American Legion Post #52 Drill Team.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 5, 2019 from 2-4:00 pm and 6-8:00 pm at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Memorials may be made to the family to set up a Scholarship Fund in his honor.
