Fortified with the sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, Dale Jerome Merkel passed away peacefully at home on May 23. Dale was born in Perryville, Missouri, on March 27, 1936, to Albert and Dorothy Phillips Merkle.

Beloved husband of Mary Lou Merkel, loving father of Jane (Mark Reifsteck), Tom (Alfredo Lopez Chaparro), and Karen Sandt (Geoff); adoring grandfather of Samantha Sandt and Jacob Sandt; dear brother of Doris Moll and Cathy Cole; dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. The family is grateful for the wonderful caregivers at Caring Christians and Crown Hospice.

Dale was a member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, and for most of his working life he repaired and maintained commercial HVAC equipment. He was steadfast in his Catholic faith and attended Mass daily. He enjoyed creating art, thinking up quirky inventions, and telling stories. During his service in the Army, he was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas, at the same time as Elvis which fueled many of his stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to an orphanage in India that captured Dale’s heart. Make checks payable to St. Monica Church with India Missions in the memo field, mail to St. Monica Church, 12136 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141; or donate to a charity close to your heart.

Funeral services will be held at St. Monica Church on June 12 beginning with visitation at 10:00 to 11:00, followed by Mass at 11:00 am, and urn burial in St. Monica Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow in St. Monica Church Hall.

To plant a tree in memory of Dale Jerome Merkel, please visit our Tribute Store.