Virginia Merkel, 76

Virginia Merkel, age 76, of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 11:00 p.m. Friday (May 24, 2013) in Deaconess Gateway in Newburgh, Indiana.

She was born in Jasper on September 30, 1936 to Leo and Louise (Blessinger) Kreilein. She married James Merkel September 25, 1958 in Holy Family Catholic Church in Jasper.

Virginia had worked for Dubois Machine Company for many years and also for Schroering Realty in Jasper.

She is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she served on several committees including the building committee and also was a past president of the Blessed Virgin Sodality.

She enjoyed playing cards in her card club and also spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving,

Husband, Jim Merkel

One son,

Greg Merkel and his wife Peggy, Jasper, IN

Two daughters,

Kathy Sternberg and husband Dave, Jasper, IN

Angie Welp and husband Albert, Birdseye, IN

Five grandchildren,

Brad, Abby and Ryan Merkel and Megan and Rachel Sternberg.

Two sisters,

Barbara Burke, Jasper, IN

Linda Schuck , Belmont, MI

Sister-in-law,

Alma Kreilein, Jasper, IN

Preceding her in death are her parents and two brothers, John ”Jack” Kreilein and Richard Kreilein.

Funeral services for Virginia Merkel will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, (May 29, 2013), in Holy Family Catholic Church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper.

Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday (May 28, 2013), at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. Rosary by the Blessed Virgin Sodality will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.