Ralph Merkle Sr., 80

Ralph Arnold Merkle Sr., age 80, of Colon, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Merkle; his children, Jeanette (Don) Denney, Ralph (Roxanne) Merkle Jr., Keith (Dawn) Merkle, Robin (Doug) Greer and Barb (Duane) Wagner; grandchildren Candy (Craig) Cary, Heather Vaughn, Darick and Jason Merkle, Michel and Cody Greer, Tonya (Aaron) Smith, Jessica (Pete) Ransom, Sean (Kelli) Merkle, Shannon Merkle and Colin (Katie) Wagner; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jerry (Gladys) Merkle; sisters Shirley Lewis and Marian Kluppfel; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Gladys (Lyons) Merkle; his brothers, Kenneth, Keith, Donald, Robert, Thomas and Norman; and his sisters, Bernice, Gladys and Mildred.
Ralph had worked for Americraft Paper in Sturgis.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ralph A. Merkle Sr. will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at Colon United Methodist Church, with Pastor John Sterner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in memory of Ralph to Colon United Methodist Church. Private interment will take place at a later date.
The family was assisted by Schipper Funeral Home in Colon.