Paul I. Merkel passed away in his home Wednesday, July 24, 2019. He was surrounded by family and loved ones and the most important person to him, his wife Donna.
Paul was born in Iowa on February 27, 1934, and grew up in a large farming family. They moved to Minnesota when he was a boy and he lived around the Spring Valley area until his time of death. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church where he was confirmed on March 25, 1956. Paul also served his country proudly In the United States Army for two years and was honorably discharged.
He was united in marriage to Donna Linaman on November 17, 1956. The two purchased a farm outside of Spring Valley and started a family. They raised four children: John, Kay, Michael, and Robert together. Paul supported his family by farming, which he did for many years.
Paul love to play cards and talk with his friends. One of his favorite things to do was to play jokes. He loved to try and “pull a fast one” on Donna (although it rarely ever happened). As for others, Paul loved to joke and talk farming with them. He carried a special look in his eyes, that would light up people’s lives. You never could tell if he was being “sneaky” or not. He lived the life of a loving care free man that many could only dream of having. Between his jokes and the surprise animals showing up on his farm there was never a dull moment in his life. Paul cherished the love from his wife Donna for over 60 years.
He is survived by his wife Donna of Spring Valley, four children: John Merkel of Spring Valley, Kay (Leonard) Radtke of Spring Valley, Mike (Michelle) Merkel of Rochester and Robert (Dawn) Merkel of Ostrander; six grandsons, five granddaughters, seven great-grandsons, eight great-granddaughters, two sisters, Shirley Schroeder and Lorraine (Bob) Reiland; and his brother “Uncle” Art (Sharon) Merkel. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their dog Rosie. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, four sisters and his beloved dog Porkchop.
Visitation was held at theFirst English Lutheran Church, Spring Valley on Monday, July 29 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with memorial service at 10:30.
Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.