Leon C. MERKEL

MERKEL, FERGASON, NISSEN, VAN ZUIDEN, HELLWEG

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/10/2017 at 17:21:54

May 31, 1938 ---- November 21, 2016

BETTENDORF — Leon C. Merkel, 78, of Bettendorf, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, at his home. Private family services will be held. Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice or the American Diabetes Association.

Born May 31, 1938, in Klemme, Iowa, Leon was the son of Benhart Peter and Ethel R. (Fergason) Merkel. On April 2, 1961, in Clinton, he married Janet A. Nissen. Leon worked at Alcoa, retiring after 35 years of service. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren, fishing, reading, walking his Airedale terriers, playing cards with his buddies, and watching football and basketball on television. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Janet; daughter, Kim Inez (Tracy) Van Zuiden, Stafford, Virginia; son, Troy Lee Merkel, Davenport; four grandsons, Kyle Van Zuiden, Tyler (Julie) Van Zuiden, Zach Merkel and Justin Merkel; one great-granddaughter, Lilyanne; sister, Doris Hellweg, Clinton; and a sister-in-law, Pat Merkel, LeClaire. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Merkel.

December 17, 2016
Quad City Times - Moline, Illinois