Erich Merkner

ERICH MERKNER Age 83 years, of Portage, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2003, in Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was a longtime Northwest Indiana resident moving here from Germany. He served in the German military during WWII, and was also a P.O.W. in France during WWII. He is retired from U.S. Steel after 33 years of service, where he worked as a shipper. He was a former member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. Erich was an avid woodworker, and had a love of nature, his home country, and his dogs Spook and Suzi. He served as a role model for all his children, and will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Erich is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Imogene; sons, Harold (Kelly) Merkner of Valparaiso, Arvid (Lori) Merkner of Portage, Erich (Kristine) Merkner of Portage, Terry (Anita) Alasauskas of Portage; daughters, Christel (Randy) Lea of Cedar Lake, Ruthie Merkner of Houston, TX; stepsons, Jack (Connie) Bowen of South Haven, Gerry (Pricilla) Bowen of AZ; stepdaughter, Peggy (Art Barath) Boos of Portage; sisters, Herta (James) Chance of Portage, Emma Taurat of Portage; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ludwig and Johanna Merkner, stepdaughter, Bonnie Griener, brothers and sisters. Services will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2003 in Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, with Rev. Ludovit Vajda, officiating. Burial will occur in Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2003 in Rees Funeral Home. For further information, please call (219) 762-3013.