Dr. Guido A. Merkens

Dr. Guido Merkens entered eternal rest on January 11, 2012. He was born on May 25, 1927 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, but grew up from age 2-16 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He attended school at the University of Pittsburg; Concordia University, Bronxville, New York; Concordia Seminary and Washington University in St. Louis. He was the founding pastor of Concordia Lutheran and served there for 42 ½ years. Under his leadership, Concordia attained both the largest weekly worship attendance and the largest Sunday school in the entire denomination. He wrote seven books and conducted seminars in 49 states for hundreds of thousands of Pastors and lay people. He also served as Vice-President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod for fifteen years and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Concordia Seminary. In his "repositioned years", he served as a consultant with Pathway Lutheran Ministries. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Frieda (Klaus) Merkens; his sister, Rhoda Canion; and his beloved wife of 52 years, Barbara. He is survived by his children: daughters Karen Ramming and husband Douglas of Austin; Michelle Wood and husband Brian of Austin; Marti Merkens of San Antonio; and son, Guido Merkens, Jr. of San Antonio. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Kristine Linville, Guido Merkens III, Jeremiah Merkens and Matthew Merkens; and by five great-granddaughters: Mahaley Merkens, Abigail Linville, Samantha Linville, Presley Merkens and Ensley Merkens. --To God alone the Glory— The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at Porter Loring Mortuary North Chapel. SERVICE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012 12:00 NOON CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH 16801 HUEBNER Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church of your choice.