Linda Milam Merkle

Fond memories of having Ms. Merkle as my English teacher at LHS in the 80's. She had a true love of teaching and it made her an exceptional teacher. Looks like she had a wonderful life full of all the things she loved. May she sail on in eternity and I hope she knew how many young lives she made a positive impact on. LHS class of 1984.

A year may have passed but we still remember with gratitude our beloved Mrs. Merkle. What a great teacher she was! Bill Sauser, LHS `68.

I´d tried to find Ms. Merkle for years to thank her for the impact she made in my life. I doubt very seriously that I would have embarked on a creative path had it not been for her Humanities class at Lakeside and it´s profound effect on me, my world view and my never ending quest to find the good in others by seeing them in totality. It breaks my heart that I never got to tell her or that she never got a chance to see or hear works of my mine that might not exist if not for her tutelage....

Ms. Merkle. Thanks for teaching me everything I know about great literature. And thanks for giving me the classes section to edit for Valhalla, not lol!!! You will be missed.

My only contact with Mrs Merkle was when I was waiting outside my future wife English classroom. Mrs MERKLE came out first as the bell rang and asked me if I was waiting for my `better half´. I don´t think I knew what to answer but I wish I had said I was proud to have Joanne as my better half. I´m sure she was an exception person and teacher but I never had her for a mentor.

When thinking back on `67 12th English, I smile. She made it FUN. So: Keep On Smiling! And Laughing! Linda Merkle wanted you to do that!!

I wonder how many thousands of people had their lives touched in meaningful ways by this remarkable woman. Thank you, "Mrs. Merkle" for being an inspiring teacher to all of us at Lakeside High. You REALLY made a difference. The world is a better place because you were in it. I look forward to seeing you again in Paradise! William Sauser, LHS `68

I had the great honor of having Mrs. Merkle as my English teacher for two years in a row. First for 10th grade, after which I took 11th grade English in summer school. When I came back in the fall, she had switched to teaching twelfth grade and I got her again! Lakeside High, class of 1967.

Linda was my friend while she lived in her home in Westfield Square. When she moved, I lost touch with her. Alicia Hodges #6 Downshire Lane