"Dear Merkel family, While you have lost a great man dedicated to family, community, faith and country the legacy of your extended family is what surely made him so proud. We both have fond memories of visits with our folks & the Merkel twins at Merkels. What a wonderful long-time Quincy establishment that your family took such pride in running to ensure local kids and teams were well suited for their love of sports! Bless you all. Tom & Lisa (Musolino) Scholz"
In loving memory of
Russell C. Merkel
March 31, 2018
Russell C. Merkel, age 91, of Quincy, died Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 10:58 am in Blessing Hospital.
Russell was born October 29, 1926 the twin brother to John Merkel in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Carl E. and Florene Kalmer Merkel. He married Shirley Abbott, (the daughter of Earl and Erma Haxel Abbott) on June 12, 1948 in St. John's Catholic Church, Quincy. They were member of St. Peter's Catholic Church for many years. They first met in 7th grade and had their first date in 9th grade.
Russ attended Quincy High School where he lettered in three sports, was a champion hurdler and received the District and State honors in the event. He was inducted into the QHS Blue Devil Hall of Fame in 1986. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during his senior year (1944) and received his diploma in 1945 while still in the service. Russ trained to be a radar operator and was assigned to the U.S.S. Barnstable, APA 93. He served in the South Pacific, New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan until the war ended in the fall of 1946.
He attended Iowa University on the GI bill and received his Bachelor Degree in business. He played freshman football, was Captain of the track team for 2 years and pursued track and field all four years. He was the Big Ten Champion in his junior and senior year in both low and high hurdles. At the end of his senior year he competed for the US Olympic team in Chicago where Jesse Owens attended to watch Russ. He won both heats and unfortunately pulled a hamstring muscle in the final heat and was unable to finish. It was while he was in college that he and Shirley married. They returned to Quincy in 1950. He and his twin brother John who also attended Iowa University joined their father and uncles in the family business. Merkels continued to grow and prosper under their leadership.
Russ joined the Kiwanis in 1951 and served as president in 1963. He had a perfect attendance record for over 40 years. Being an athlete he took an interest in the YMCA and joined its board where he served as the head of the membership committee.
Life was good through the years with a beautiful wife and three children. As a family the most memorable times were spent boating in the early days on the Mississippi where they joined friends on the sandbars for picnics, swimming and skiing. Russ and Shirl took many vacations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida. They acquired a lake home in the Ozarks in the early 1970's and enjoyed 28 years of vacations there with friends and family. This year marks a marriage of 70 years. What a beautiful life. His love was for his beautiful wife and children and their well being. His love was unconditional and he was always there regardless of circumstances. What a great man he was.
Survivors in addition to his wife Shirley include three children, Mary (Larry) Merkel Rollins of Texas, Russell "Rusty" (Penny Kipley) Merkel of Quincy and Salli (Scott) Kuncewicz of Quincy; six grandchildren: Natalie (George, Jr.) Castillo; Lance (Emily Giffin) Rollins; Shelly (Chris) Lewis; Daniel Merkel; Christopher (Maegil) Schnack; and Ryan (Michelle ) Schnack; fourteen great grandchildren; two step granddaughters: Michelle (Scott) Atteberry of Quincy; and Deanna "Dee Dee" Leffers of Quincy; a sister-in-law, Sue Merkel of Quincy, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, John Merkel; a daughter-in-law, Pamela Merkel; and a step granddaughter, Kimberly Smith.
Services: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery
Visitation: 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Memorials: Donor's Choice
www.hansenspear.com
Tributes
"May God comfort your family at this time."
"Rusty, very sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Russ."
"Sympathies & couldn't say it better... "What a beatiful life.""
"So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Russ and the crew at Merkels. The entire Merkel family are special people. I was fortunate to get to visit Russ and his friends at the Veteran's Home, which was enjoyable. Rest in peace Russ, you have worked hard your entire life and earned it. May God watch over you and your family. You are all in my prayers. Love Patty (Murphy) Polak"
"Thinking of you all and remembering your family in my prayers. Our parents had a lot of laughs and good times with the Merkles and a trip to the sporting goods store was always a treat. Peace"
"I regret that I never met this wonderful man, but I see his presence in his loving son, Rusty. Every Sunday after attending church with us, Rusty would go visit Dad. I am sending love and prayers for Rusty and the Merkel family."
"Shirley, Mary, Rusty and Salli, I remember seeing Russ at the store "back in the day" and at various get togethers and I was so sorry to hear that he had passed. You have my deepest sympathies."
"My heart goes out to Mary ,Rusty & Sally on the loss of your Father. He was an amazing man who raised such sweet, kind & caring Chikdren. I remember the good times we all had together. With Deepest Sympathy, (DEE-DEE) Diana Watkins McCutcheon Bushnell"
"Shirley, Mary Rusty Salli and family, What great times my folks had at your house, When they were visiting John and Sue. Our love to you all. RIP Russ."
"I will miss Mr. Merkel. He and my father Al we're dinner mates at the vets home. Also Mr. Merkel gave me my first job at the sporting goods store. Rest in peace sir."
"I was blessed to have known Russ through his visits to Houston with Shirley. He was such a sweetheart and we enjoyed many good times when they were here. Will never forget him duct taping the trunk shut on the Cadillac! Love you Russ. What a great tribute for all your accomplishments. May you live in peace with the Lord. Jan Green."
"I'm fortunate to have met him. My condolences to the family."
"Sorry for your loss. Russ and my father Ted Gilbert were friends at Sunset Home. Oh , those two could make us laugh"
"Dear Shirley, Mary, Rusty and Salli, It was one of life?s rewards to have been a teammate and a friend Ross Merkel. Russ was one of the most dedicated athletes I have known. He practiced hard and trained flawlessly, traits that led him to Big 10 championships in the hurdles, no easy event. He carried that dedication into his career at Merkels and distinguished service to Kiwanis. It was a privilege to be one of the several teammates, including Auris McGee, Mel and El Tappe and Bob Hoebing who Russ and John invited to work at times in their business. We send our sincere condolences as we honor the good life of Russ and Shirley. Without fanfare, they served Quincy well. Best wishes and God?s Blessingsas you carry on the Merkel influence."
"I am so sorry for your loss, Salli."
"Always great to see Mr Merkel at hardware store."
"I enjoyed my time working at Merkel?s in the sporting goods. Loved the people there and Russ was a great leader. Thanks for the memories. Prayers for peace to the family."