Evelyn V. Merkel, 94, Celestine

Evelyn V. Merkel, 94, of Celestine, passed away at 6:34 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019, at home. 

Evelyn was born in Celestine on March 8, 1925, to Frank and Bertha (Gehlhausen) Kluesner. She married Alfred A. Merkel on October 18, 1952 in St. Celestine Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on June 21, 2002. 

She was a homemaker and a member of St. Isidore Parish – St. Celestine Catholic Church and their St. Ann’s Sodality. She was active in the CHRP program and a recipient of the Simon Brute’ award. She was also an organizing member of the Celestine Community Club. She enjoyed cooking, keeping her house, and spending time with family and friends.  

She is survived by two daughters, Donna Ulrich (Paul) of Borden and Diane Niehaus (Larry) of St. Anthony; four sons, Andrew Merkel (Janie) of Celestine, Gary Merkel (Ann) of Evansville, Bernie Merkel (Lisa) of Celestine, and Doug Merkel (Renee) of Celestine; 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death beside her husband was one daughter who died in childbirth, Jane Ann Merkel; and three sisters, Anna Mae Kempf, Lou Alice Buechler, and Mary Heeke. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Evelyn V. Merkel will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.  

The St. Isidore Parish will pray  the rosary at 2:45 p.m.  

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore Parish or to a favorite charity. 

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