"My deepest condolences, our heavenly father will comfort and help you heal, psalm34:18"
In loving memory of
Calvin L. Merkle
August 1, 1925 - August 7, 2017
Calvin L. Merkle, 92 of Ambler, PA passed away on August 7, 2017 at home after a brief illness.
Born August 1, 1925 in Harvey, IL, he is the son of late Joe and Clara Merkle.
Cal attended Thornton High School and worked part time as a caddie and soda jerk. He served in the Air Force for two and a half years during World War II. After the war, Cal attended the University of Illinois where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. After college, he wed Gladys Duesterhoeft and they settled in Rockford, IL where he worked as a mechanical engineer for Barber Coleman designing textile machinery, and later for Sunstrand on the Trident missile project.
Cal was an avid sportsman and enjoyed playing golf, handball and racquetball, as well as fishing. He had a keen interest in gardening and was best known for his delicious raspberries. He and his wife Glady were also extremely active at their church, Our Saviors Lutheran, where they were instrumental in the formation of the Golden Age program. They also enjoyed traveling to different destinations across the globe. Following Glady's passing, Cal moved to Ambler, PA and lived with his son Terry, daughter-in-law Karen and three grandchildren for fifteen years. Cal led an active life in Ambler playing golf and attending the many swim meets, field hockey games, and regattas that his grandchildren participated in.
Cal is predeceased by his parents Clara and Joe Merkle (Harvey, IL), as well as his sister Florence Nist (Homewood, IL) and brother Robert Merkle (Boston, MA).
He is survived by his son Terry (Karen) Merkle and three student grandchildren Devon (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine), Ariene (Fordham University), and Taylor (Temple University) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church on Thursday, August 10 at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, 411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, PA 19002.
Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"Dear Terry, Karen, Devon, Ariana and Taylor, Please know of my heartfelt sympathy as I learned of the the passing of your dad and grandfather. I have wonderful memories of him when he first came to live with you in Ambler. I was also grateful to share time and dinner with your family on so many wonderful occassions. Your grandfater was such a great sports fan. I loved talking to him about the Phillies. Please know that I hold each of you in my heart and prayers as your mourn his great loss in your life. I am sure God welcomed him Home with open arms. My love, Sister Marjorie"