October 6, 1940 – April 14, 2024
A memorial service for Chuck and his daughter, Barb, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Lu Verne United Methodist Church. Burial will be held in the Lu Verne Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Lu Verne United Methodist Church.
Charles Arthur Merkle was born October 6, 1940, in Algona; the son of Fredrick and Vera (Lehman) Merkle. He grew up in the Lu Verne area, attending Vernon Consolidated School until his junior year. He then attended Lu Verne High School where he graduated.
On January 26, 1963, he was united in marriage to Linda Schnetzer in Yankton, SD. They made their home in rural Lu Verne and were blessed with three children.
Chuck developed a passion for farming from a young age. After graduating from high school, he spent a few short years as a hired hand before embarking on his own farming journey. He began his farming career, starting with dairy cows and later expanding into hog farming and crop cultivation.
In addition to his work on the farm, Chuck served his community in various roles. He drove semi-trucks for Gold Eagle Coop and spent 30 years behind the wheel of a school bus, transporting children safely to and from school. He cherished his time as a bus driver, enjoying the laughter and energy of the kids.
Outside of his work on the farm, Chuck found joy in the great outdoors. He had a passion for camping and spent countless hours exploring the beauty of nature. Chuck also had a unique hobby of collecting farm toys, a testament to his love for rural life. One of Chuck’s favorite pastimes was splitting wood; his woodpile was a testament to his hard work and determination.
Chuck was a devoted husband and a loving father. He cherished every moment spent with his family. Chuck was especially fond of his grandkids, and he took great joy in watching them grow. In addition to his love for his family, Chuck was a man of faith and a member of the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne.
Chuck died shortly before his daughter, Barbara, on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at his home in Lu Verne. He was 83.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda of Lu Verne; children, Randy (Colleen) Merkle of Polk City, Ami (Bobby) Liebsch of Jesup; grandchildren, Emily Merkle of Tulsa, OK, Matthew Merkle of Tempe, AZ; sister, Margene (Wayne) Hamilton of Lakewood, CO; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Fredrick and Vera.
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