Hartford City

Gerard H. Merkel, Sr., 74, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at his home.

He was born February 28, 1943 in Schnellville, IN to Albert L. and Lucille (Nordhoff) Merkel. He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1962 and attended Indiana Business School in Fort Wayne for one year.

On August 10, 1968 he married Serena Kramer at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Muncie and they resided in Florida for 10 years returning to Hartford City in 1980. Gerard was a sheet metal worker with Indianapolis Local #20. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #1639 (third degree) and had served as financial secretary.

He was a member of the Common Council of Hartford City and served as Mayor for two weeks after the death of Mayor Rex Swoveland. Gerard enjoyed fishing, hunting and sports, especially watching the Cincinnati Reds lose.

Survivors include his wife, Serena; sons, Gerard (Barb) Merkel, Jr., Hartford City, Matthew Merkel, Hartford City, and Jacob (Terry) Merkel, Dunedin, FL; daughter, Kellee Merkel (friend, Larry), Hartford City; grandchildren, Hannah, Madison, Emily and Mason Merkel; brothers, Albert (Lynne) Merkel, Jr., Richfield, WI, Verlin (Mary Lou) Merkel, Crestview, FL; sisters, Karen Sue (Ronald) Hogan, Cold Springs, KY, Linda Lee (R. Lee) Willette, Trenton, IL and Juleen (Jeffrey) Hugenberg, Lakeside Park, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gerald and a sister, Molly Johnson. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2017 in St. John's Catholic Church, 209 S. Spring St., Hartford City with Father David Newton officiating.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, October 13 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St. Hartford City. The Wake Service will be at 5 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospice or to Knights of Columbus.

Visit www.watersfuneralhomes.com to sign the guestbook or leave a condolence.