Alban Merkley, 91

Alban Merkley, age 91, of St. Anthony, IN, passed away at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2014, at St. Charles Health Campus in Jasper.

Alban was born on April 8, 1922 in St. Anthony, Indiana to Frank and Theresia (Horney) Merkley. He married Rose Gutgsell on July 5, 1949 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper.

Alban was an Army Veteran who served in India during World War II.

He worked for Jasper Engine Exchange for 33 years, from which he retired in 1984.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, the St. Anthony American Legion Post #493, The Jasper V.F.W. Post #673, The St. Anthony Senior Citizens, and the St. Anthony Community Center.

He enjoyed gardening, making maple syrup, and working on automobiles and tractors.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Merkley, of St. Anthony; two daughters, Lois June Wagner and her husband Daniel, of Ferdinand and Carol Ann Kreilein and her husband Michael, of St. Anthony; six sons, Stephen L. Merkley and his wife Darlene, of St. Anthony, Randall A. Merkley and his wife Sharon, of Huntingburg, Robert F. Merkley and his wife Donnettia, of Jasper, Michael G. Merkley and his wife Annette, of Huntingburg, Kenny W. Merkley and his wife Lisa, of Dubois, and Leon K. Merkley and his wife Karen, of Jasper; 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are four sisters: Ida O’Conner, Stella Reckelhoff, Mercedes Schnieders, and Theresia Klem, and five brothers: Clarence, Irwin, Hilbert, Gilbert, and Ralph Merkley.

Funeral services for Alban Merkley will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Anthony, Indiana with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The St. Anthony American Legion Post #493 will conduct military graveside rites.

Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, and one hour before services at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.