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Dale Merkle Obituary
Dr. Dale Gordon Merkle Sr., age 89, passed away on April 14, 2023, at home in Atlanta, surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born November 12, 1933, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Emil H. and Jane Marie (Brown) Merkle. He received his BS, MAT, and PhD from Michigan State University, served in the Army, then dedicated his life to education and equality. He taught science education at Shippensburg University. Beyond the classroom, Dale was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He was an active member and leader of PFLAG, including several years as Gulf Regional Director, and once served as Grand Marshall of the Atlanta Gay Pride parade. He was a national board member of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. He loved growing roses and baking.
Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Lynn Raymond Merkle; his children, D. Gordon Merkle Jr. (Jimmy Reed), Chris Merkle, and Sarah Merkle (Brian Murphey); his grandchildren, Sam and Zach Murphey; his brother, Bill (Margaret) Merkle; and sister, Carole Schmidt; his siblings-in-law, Anna Merkle, Jane Raymond, Randy (Patti) Raymond; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. A celebration of life service will be held May 7, 2023 at 3 PM, at the Central Congregational United Church of Christ in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Georgia Equality or to the Central Congregational UCC Memorial Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Merkle
Debbie Thompson
March 26, 2024
I remember him telling me in 1961 that if I spent as much time on my chemistry, as I did my hair, I would be a straight A student. He was absolutely correct, but at age 17 it just was not that important .
Debbie Peterhans Thompson
ALLISON DWAN
May 7, 2023
Uncle Dale will always be someone special to me. He would come and visit our family on the bay whenever he could. He would always make jokes and tease us, you could be having a bad day and he can always find a way to make you smile. I remember he would always offer to grab my plates, and help me grab my food at family parties. He is such a special and caring person to everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face, which is very contagious.
Barbara Dale
May 6, 2023
Mary Lynn, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband. You two were the first people I met when I attended my first PFLAG meeting so many years ago. You both exuded a warmth and caring and friendliness that made me feel welcomed. Dale will be greatly missed. Sending love and hugs to you. Barbara Dale
Mark zanotti
April 29, 2023
Rest in peace Dale. Shared his passion in all he did
Mark Zanotti
Rob & Deb Keit & Family
April 28, 2023
Mary Lynn and family sincere condolences to all. Dale will surely be missed by all who knew him. We will personally miss his visits when he was in town.
Pauline Helmling
April 26, 2023
So sorry to hear about Dale. We served on the Bay City School Board together. He was always kind, helpful and dedicated. I enjoyed our time we served on the board together and learned a great deal from him about board service. Mary Lynn and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers, Pauline Helmling
John LeTourneau
April 26, 2023
Mary Lynn and family,
Tracy and I are saddened to see that Dale has passed. It has been such a long time since the days at CUMC. We miss the wonderful community that we had there that you and Dale were such a strong part of. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Laurie Manning
April 26, 2023
I remember Dale as a very handsome young man! Where did the years go. Glad he had a good life. I have information from the DeYoung family book which is interesting including a picture of Lorna Mae at her wedding. Think mom knew you all! Please accept our families condolences. Our mom was Jane Deyoung Hellerman. With sympathy, Louis, Lance and Laurie (Manning) Hellerman. Think about the years in Bay City often.
Kirsten Gerner-Smidt
April 22, 2023
My prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. We had the pleasure of being neighbors to Dale and Mary Lynn for 12 years. I truly enjoyed all our talks, about Europe, kids and grand kids and Dale's beloved roses. The best neighbors anyone could ask for.
Rachel Royer
April 22, 2023
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I have fond memories of Mr. Merkle showing off his beautiful, prized roses and quizzing us with spelling words at the dinner table. I am grateful I had the opportunity to know him.
Jessica Gotwalt
April 22, 2023
Uncle Dale was truly special! I loved our fiery conversations about the state of the world. He was a challenging and respectful debater and inspired me, and certainly many others to social justice. He raised three amazing people and lots of beautiful roses. And those sticky buns!
Mary Daenzer
April 21, 2023
Dale gave so much to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A kind and caring man who will be missed.
Veronica peirson
April 21, 2023
My condolences to the family. I never met Dale; however, his son Chris demonstrated character traits that must have fallen from a tree of integrity. May your loved one rest in eternal peace.
Bill and Patti Summerhill
April 21, 2023
Mary Lynn and family: Patti and I are thinking of you with tears in our eyes and smiles on our faces. Dale touched our lives in a significant way when we were just getting to know each other at Shippensburg. Your friendship and encouragement were important supports to us, helping us find in each other the kind of life companionship that the two of you enjoyed for so long. Now, 50 years after our wedding, we count our blessings for folks who cared about us and stayed in touch over the years. I looked forward to and treasured Dale's comments about my
BLOGs these past two years. His wit and wisdom were always appreciated. I know for you and your family his passing creates a hole that memories alone will not be able to fill. You are in our thoughts and will be in our prayers. May he continue to be present with you, his voice continuing to speak in your minds and his love always a feeling away in your hearts.
Cathy Levan
April 21, 2023
What a wonderful man and his beautiful life. May you find comfort in each other. Rest in Peace.
Patti Summerhill
April 21, 2023
Dr. Merle was such a good teacher, mentor and friend to both Bill and me throughout our college days and until now. He was instrumental in our becoming a couple and was always interested in what we were doing. He was especially important to Bill with his comments on Bill´s blog.
We hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bill and Patti (Tyrrell) Summerhill
Frank Englund
April 20, 2023
I will always remember delivering the Bay City Times to the Merkle family home on the corner of Koehler St. and Erie St. This was in the Kolb school neighborhood and what a great place to grow up.
Dale always had a big smile and hello.
R.I.P. my friend.
Frank Englund, Naples, FL
TL Handy 1962
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