"I wish to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of Marty. She sure had an active and adventurous life and she often told me about her experiences in the Peace Corps. The obituary left out that she liked to cook and I was often the recipient of complete meals! . It was easy to remember her birthday as she was born on Columbus Day and like him, Marty was an adventurer! May you hold deep in your heart t your treasured memories."
In loving memory of
Martha Jean Merkel
October 12, 1942 - May 5, 2022
Merkel, Ms.
Martha Jean
North Muskegon, Michigan
Ms. Martha Jean Merkel, age 79, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022. She was born in East Tawas, MI on October 12, 1942 to David & Marian (Johnson) Merkel. Ms. Merkel had been employed as an English Teacher at Reeths Puffer Middle School. Marty was a voracious reader. An energetic and enthusiastic teacher, her students will long remember the high drama of Romeo and Juliet. Summers found Marty climbing mountains, diving the Caribbean, enjoying the Big Lake, and wearing out the Muskegon River with little dog Posey in her decked canoe. She served in Ethiopia as a Peace Corp volunteer and was an outspoken believer in democracy, women's rights and the dignity of all races.
SURVIVORS
Sister, Bonnie (Kennistan) Bauman of MI, sister-in-law, Carolyn Merkel; longtime friend, Lin Ahlstedt; nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents & brother, Robert Merkel.
SERVICE
According to her wishes there will be no services. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider Muskegon County Humane Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.
Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon
Tributes
"To know Marti was to love and admire her. She was an enthusiastic and challenging teacher. She inspired her students to appreciate great literature and mythology. She lived her life with passion in all she did. She was a voracious reader. She served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia and shared stories about that experience with her students. She was always open to an adventure. Those included mountain climbing in Europe, snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, travel to Alaska, Europe, as well as "
"One of my favorite teachers. Very enthusiastic, slightly eccentric, and she really stirred up a desire to learn. I also remember how she loved to travel. Once she told us that wherever she visited she always made sure to eat the local food and swim in their waters, including in the artic circle!"
"Rest in peace , Marty. You have fought the good fight and shall be missed here. Memories of you teaching.??? I remember you telling your students that if they did not behave. that you would Sing to them.......:) :)"
"She was an enthusiastic person and definitely an enthusiastic teacher. A characteristic that made her fun to be around and will be missed! Rest well, Martha Merkel! Barney and Janet Sutherland"
"Miss Merkel was a tough but wonderful English teacher. She introduced you to Great literature and definitely was enthusiastic about it. Each day she would start with her chalkboards full of notes that you were to record in your book. Those books would be used towards your big exams. I remember the stories of alligators during the Peace corps trip and how much she enjoyed helping people. Stacey Boxer Denman"