Norbert G. Merkes

Norbert G. Merkes, 90, Edgar, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home. He was born May 3, 1922 in Stratford, son of the late Nicholas and Mary (Wagner) Merkes. On May 3, 1948 he married Anna Stini at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bakerville. She survives. Norbert served his country in the United States Army and was a member of the American Legion Sawyer-Drumm Post No. 393, Edgar. He was an over the road truck driver most of his life, owning his own truck and working for various other companies. Some of his hobbies included hunting, reading, putting together puzzles and he especially enjoyed shaking dice with his wife and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Anna, Edgar; six children, Daniel Merkes, Edgar, Diana (Michael) Stritzel, Oshkosh, Dexter (Cressie) Merkes, Kansas City, Missouri, Doris (Michael) Breidel, LaCrosse, Duwayne (Kris) Merkes and Donna (Joe) Grenwalt, both of Edgar; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Thomson, Travis (Wendy) Stritzel, Tricia Breidel, Heather (Josh) Goetsch, Lindsey (Glenn) Knoeck, Shannon Merkes and Megan Grenwalt; eight great-grandchildren, Trenton, Cecilia, Spencer, Makenna, Ella, Jordan, Emily and Addison; three siblings, Sister Beatrice Merkes, Hubert (Rosemary) Merkes and Alvin (Bea) Merkes, many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Loretta Matheson, a brother, Jerome Merkes and four siblings who died during childhood, Cyril, Monica, Joseph and Andrew. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Edgar funeral home. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Thomas Stoffel and his staff, as well as the staff of Wausau Manor, all the visiting nurses and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all the compassionate care given to Norbert. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com