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Larry Merkle Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry Merkle
David B Vasily MD
March 5, 2025
Reminiscing about my years and career in Medicine and the brilliant mentors who taught me so much about Endocrinology and Medicine but even more about life itself. If there was a better man I have never met him. If there was a more brilliant Physician we never crossed Paths but I did know Larry and he made an enormous impact on my life and career. He will be remembered always!! May he rest in peace!
Ed and Joan Wendling
April 2, 2024
Brenda and family,
We cannot believe it is 6 years already that Dr Merkle is gone.He was a very special person and a great doctor.
We think of him often.
Edwin Wendling
April 3, 2021
We Loved him as a GREAT DOCTOR and a wonderful friend . We shared a lot of jokes and sometimes he would get the joke ! We miss him so much and think of him often. Brenda we really loved him !
Joan and Eddie Wendling
February 15, 2019
Thinking of you.
Brenda Merkle
August 18, 2018
Thank you to everyone for their memories of Larry. Yes, he was a dedicated physician who cared and gave 100%, yes, he indeed remembered everyones names, yes, he stole food off of your plates (while you were looking), yes, he loved God and followed his teachings, and yes, he loved to learn, yes, he enjoyed his rose bushes (and I am trying to care for them as he did), and yes, he loved family.
We loved each other for over 43 years and that will never end. I feel him with me all the time (and our daughter is so much like him).
Yes, he is at peace from the Alzheimers and I know he will continue to watch over us too.
Larry, we had over 38 years of being man and wife and you knew me to the end, even saying my name and telling me that you loved me at the end. Thank you for that precious gift.
Brenda
Bill Cassell
June 29, 2018
Denise, Claudia and Family -
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I remember him well! Remember the good times and how he loved you all!
Respectfully,
Bill Cassell
June 1, 2018
To Dr. Merkel's family; Dr. Merle will be greatly missed,Dr Merkle was a a very wonderful Doctor. I was a patient of his for many years,being a wonderful person, one would know he was a wonderful husband and father. Paulette
Judith McDonald MD
May 6, 2018
I am probably only one of the many, many physicians that Larry taught and helped understand that difficult field of medicine called "Endocrinology." He was NEVER too busy to stop in the hall of the hospital, or take a call in the office to help you with your difficult diabetic patient. Such a gentle soul, and I feel as if it was just not right that HE would be afflicted with this horrible disease called Alzheimer's. I pray that the many memories that you must have and God's great love for you will see you through this sad time.
He will be missed; he already has been.
Sincerely, Judy McDonald MD
Claudia Merkle
May 1, 2018
Happy birthday dad. I know your life today is pain-free and you're lucid. I know you're taking photographs of people and talking to anyone that will listen. I know that all you've done in your life and all you are doing in your after life is with good intention. I know you're happy. I know you're loved. We miss you. We always have.
Stephen Turoscy
April 29, 2018
Dr. Merkle was a father to my wife, Denise; her sister, Claudia; and to her brothers, Larry & Jonathan. Their mother, Lorraine, was Larry's first wife. His family certainly respected his enormous medical talent and his dedication to his craft. His legacy will live on through them and their memories. He loved to talk about his favorite author, C.S. Lewis, as well other literary subjects. He was a remarkable father and father-in-law, a scholar, and a teacher - a true renaissance man. His family will miss him greatly, and I will do what I can to be there for my wife and her family.
Steve Turoscy, Jr.
April 20, 2018
Brenda and family, So sorry for the recent loss of your husband. He will be dearly missed. Tami (Hoch) Jones
Charles Kelley
April 15, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of my colleague, Larry Merkle. He was a superb clinician with a remarkable bedside manner. Whenever I was in need of consultation for my patients, Larry was always there. It was a privilege, and an honor, to work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with Larry and his family at this time.
richard allman
April 14, 2018
Brenda and Family-
We are deeply saddened to learn of Larry's death. He was a friend and colleague and role model. I remember with great warmth the times we shared when we were "office mates" at Liberty Square early in our professional careers. Thereafter we remained friends and colleagues and shared in the care of many patients. Larry was superb clinician and had a strong social conscience. I hope that in these challenging days you are consoled by the memories of one who lived well and served with great distinction.
Rich Allman
William Guthier
April 14, 2018
Dear Brenda and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Doc's passing. I never knew a more caring man, he was a wonderful doctor who became my friend. I can still hear him calling my name at a boat show so many years ago. I had just met him a month before when I became his patient. With hundreds of people roaming around the show I marveled at how he recognized me but then that was Doc Merkle. A few months later I was in Boston on a business trip just settling into my hotel room at the end of the day when the phone rang. It was the Doc. "You are a hard guy to get ahold of" he said and went on to tell me he was thinking about a new drug he had prescribed for me and wanted to make sure I took it at the right time of day. How many doctors do that!
So many great conversations we had. We both loved the Delaware river and swapped stories as he made sure I was doing what I should be doing. Over the years I shared some musical playlists I made of songs of the rivers. He always had something nice to say about them. We were both Christian of the Lutheran persuasion we talked about that.
He was a wonderful man and I was blessed to know him. My heartfelt condolences Brenda as you navigate this difficult time.
Blessings,
Bill Guthier
ST JOHNS LUTHERAN,WHITEHALL
April 14, 2018
MERKLE FAMILY:DON'T CRY BECAUSE HIS LIFE IS OVER.SMILE, BECAUSE IT WAS. DEEPEST SYMPATHY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Debbi Klingler
April 13, 2018
An amazing Doctor, husband , father and family man. Such a sweet soul that endured an awful disease and is now at peace. God Bless to the entire family.
April 12, 2018
Entire Merkel family
We are sorry for the loss of a wonderful man who indured a terrible disease, Larry was raised by two good parents, Aunt Lillian and Claude. I remembered the good times I spent sleeping at their house in Slatington and watching Denise when she was a baby.
Cousins
Nancy zimmerman (Rauch)
Karen skeath (Rauch)
Richard Rauch
FLOYD SCHLEGEL
April 12, 2018
DEEPEST SYMPATHY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE
April 11, 2018
Brenda and family - I met you and Dr. Merkle many years ago when I worked in the office next to yours for Dr. Sherwin. I later became his patient. He was a wonderful doctor and such a compassionate and caring man. I have missed his medical skills since his retirement and still have not found anyone who made me feel as comfortable as a patient as he did. I wish the new doctors of today could know how important it is to have a relationship with a patient and their family and spend time getting to know them to properly diagnosis and care for them. He will be missed.
Anita Mahoney
First NameSusan J Last NameKern
April 11, 2018
April 10,18
To the Merkle family: I did not know Larry as my doctor as so many did. But he was my cousin and his parents good friends of mine that I loved! Alzheimer's changes a basic personality & I am sure much suffering endured byLarry, friends @ family battling this horrific disease. Misery is now over, Rest In Peace...
ROSE DELESIO
April 11, 2018
Mrs. Merkle and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Merkle was a wonderful person I worked with him years ago and my father and I were his patients for many years. Prayers and hugs to all of you. He will be truly missed.
Missy
April 10, 2018
So sorry for your loss
Deb Swoyer
April 10, 2018
I was surprised to hear of Dr. Merkle's passing. He was a sweet, kind, humble person. He used to make me laugh when I would go to his office and help him with his computer problems.
My deepest sympathies to the Merkle family. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
JoAnn Kelly, MHSA, BSN, RN
April 10, 2018
Sincere condolences to the Merkle family. Dr. Merkle was a very compassionate physician and enjoyed teaching and sharing his expertise with the staff of 7C.
Lucy Wert
April 10, 2018
Dearest Brenda and family, My sincere condolences on your loss. It's been a long road. Remember always the person Larry was and not what Alzheimer's changed him to. I know first hand! He is now at peace and back to himself. We survivors struggle with the loss but they are happy to be back to themselves.
May your happier memories filled your hearts!!
John Conway
April 10, 2018
Larry, Jon and entire Merkle family. My sincereest condolences for your immense loss. Cherish the memories and all the great things people have said. Dr. Merkle had a profound impact on my life and was a great person!
Brenda Noll
April 10, 2018
My mother, Claudine Snyder, was a patient for many years of Dr. Merkle. I remember taking her to his office as he monitored her health during her battle with Lupus. He was a great diagnostican and helped her as she navigated life with a chronic disease. He remembered her family and they would chat about his parents and life while growing up in Slatington. The gratitude that we felt as a family is a legacy to us all. May your family remember the great physican and man that he was. Praying for your comfort in the weeks and months to follow
Dave & Debbie (Steigerwalt) Jones
April 10, 2018
Brenda and family,
May you feel God's Love and Peace at this time of sadness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brianna Walker
April 10, 2018
Jon,
I am very very sorry for your loss. Although it has been many years, I still remember going to visit your father at his office with you when I was little, he was such a sweet and caring man. Sending my love to your whole family at this very difficult time.
April 10, 2018
Brenda,
We are in shock ! We loved Larry as a doctor and a friend. No one will ever replace him!!
He helped me for over 30 years and we never ever forget him .
He was the best !! Although he never did get any of my jokes. We laughed.
Larry, I hope to see you again.
With Love,
Ed and Joan Wendling,
Emmaus,Pa
Debbie Sipos
April 10, 2018
So sorry for this incredible loss to the Merkle family ! Dr Merkle was one outstanding and rare physician . Loved by all !!! As a nurse , he treated me with the utmost respect ! God rest his beautiful soul !!! God took another great angel home , he worked his life caring and help heal thousands of patients !! We will miss you !!!!
Missy Hippert
April 10, 2018
So sorry for your lose
Theresa Marx
April 10, 2018
Dear family it is with dear sympathy that I send my condolences Larry was a good man I worked for him at lehigh valley hospital he was a kind caring compassionate man who certainly made an impression on everyone he met! Rest In Peace I have 3 longaberger basket Christmas tree ornaments from you and Brenda I think about you every year at my favorite holiday
April 10, 2018
Thank you for being a part of my wonderful memories at LVHN. I was honored to be able to work with you. You will always be remembered. May you rest in peace and may the Lord give the Merkle family the strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
Stacey Lewis (Yonak), RN
April 9, 2018
Brenda,
I still remember running into you and hearing how Dr. Merkle, Larry, was doing. I have to tell you, I went to me car, cried and prayed. Your husband, Dr. Merkle was outstanding and caring physician who had a gift for teaching. He exemplified the quote, no one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. He remembered every patient by name, but also their story. And, he told those stories to teach - he made it real. Honestly, until this day, I remember many of those stores and use them to help others understand diabetes. He had this way of making you want care more and to be better. What a gift! In my heart, I picture him meeting God with smile and grace, and God doing the same.
Brenda, I will never forget Dr. Merle.
Please accept my Condolences to you and your family.
Jen Shiban
Ann Wlazelek
April 9, 2018
Dear Mrs. Merkle and family,
I don't have to tell you what a wonderful man and doctor your husband was, because I'm certain you know. But, I just wanted to add to the countless condolences that he also was gracious and understanding with me, a former health reporter for The Call, who learned from many great physicians in this Valley, including Dr. Merkle. I interviewed him a number of times and he always made time to help me understand that I could share his knowledge and expertise with newspaper readers. I hope it comforts you to know so many others shared good memories of this man.
Steve Shore
April 9, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Larry's family. I had the privilege of being one of his colleagues for many years at LVHN. Larry was a brilliant physician who exemplified the virtues of compassion, empathy, and humility as well as exercising superb professional skills. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
April 9, 2018
May God of all comfort be with the family and friends and condolences to you all as well. CE. Florida
Sharon Clark Pustilnik
April 9, 2018
To Dr. Merkle's Loved Ones,
I hope it brings some comfort to you knowing how loved Dr. Merkle was at LVH. I worked with him for many yrs and missed him so much after he became ill. As others have said, he knew all of our names! His patients adored him. There is not nor will there be another as brilliant, kind and caring. He was not only a physician but most of all, a healer.
My sincere sympathy offered to you. The community has lost an incredible, gifted man.
Prayers offered to all of you.
Sincerely,
Sharon Clark Pustilnik RN BS CMSRN
Sue Snyder , MBA, BSN, RN
April 9, 2018
My condolences to Dr. Merkle's family. Dr. Merkle was such a thoughtful, caring physician and person, and it was a pleasure to have worked with him for many years in the Dept. of Medicine. He cared about everyone. As an example, every Christmas, he gave each office staff employee a lovely Christmas ornament. I always think of him when decorating our tree. He was respected by all. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Lynn Grischott
April 9, 2018
Dr Merkle was one of the greats. He was so kind to everyone. He loved to educate and as a nurse that started my career in the 80s he was a God send. Many physicians at that time seemed to enjoy seeing a nurse squirm, but Dr Merkle always came to our rescue. I've been lucky enough to have gotten to know the man behind the title "Dr." He was a Christian foremost, wonderful friend, loyal, unselfish and always could bring a smile to my face. I will miss that man, but I know my father has been waiting patiently for 20 yrs to reunite with his good friend in heaven. Prayers to everyone who mourn him, the promise is he has been welcomed into the kingdom of heaven with open arms
Debora Cordes
April 9, 2018
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Merkle family. So very sorry for your loss. I am so grateful to have known and worked with Dr. Merkle.
Patricia Annoni
April 9, 2018
Doctor Merkle was my doctor in 1984. His bedside manner was Wonderful,he was one of a kind. My Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family.
Theresa Del Re RN
April 9, 2018
My condolences to the Merkle family. Dr. Merkle was a brilliant physician. Glad I had the opportunity to work with him. Your legacy will live on.
C Gilmore
April 9, 2018
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. 1 Corinthians 15:26.
Dale Dangleben
April 9, 2018
Rest In Peace ! they don't make them like that anymore - that was a true gentleman- great doctor and teacher !! He taught me a lot as a surgical resident he always stopped and said hello and teach . When I became a staff physician I loved consulting him because he was thorough and the best - brilliant man - my deepest condolences to his loved ones.
April 8, 2018
You have our deepest sympathies. We pray in your behalf, and we look forward to the day when we will welcome back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29
Barbara Larsen
April 8, 2018
I was always impressed with Dr. Merkle's bedside manner, his intelligence and his ability to know every nurse's name throughout the hospital. He truly was a friend to nurses and was well respected by all. My thoughts and prayers to his family and his former partners and office staff.
Deana Sewald
April 8, 2018
Dr Merkle was such a wonderful physician, the kindest I have ever worked with. I am sure he has touched so many lives in his career. My condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace.
Vicki Trexler
April 8, 2018
Dr. Merkle had such a soft demeanor and presence . Prayers to his family at this time , he was respected by patients, nurses and medical staff.
Juliet Ross-Rodriguez
April 8, 2018
I'm sorry to hear about Dr. Merkle. My condolences to the family. I was a patient of his since I was 12 years old in 1974 until the early 2000's. He took care of me and was a very compassionate doctor. He cared about his patients. Also, a soft spoken kind person. May God be with you all at this time. Again, my condolences.
April 8, 2018
RIP Dr. Merkle. You were a great physician who helped so many
April 8, 2018
Larry was an awesome physician and friend. He helped me with my thyroid care after surgery when I was only 17. Later I work be his side at allentown hospital. Always asking about my family, he truly cared about those around him. He will be sadly missed period piece in the grace of Christ be with him.
Reverend Hugh Vrablic MDiv BA RRT-N-S
Judy Schaeffer
April 8, 2018
Dr.Merkle was a wonderful caring physician I had the honor to work with him at the hospital.So sorry for his loss RIP Dr.
April 8, 2018
Dr. Merkle will always hold a very special place in my heart. I hope he realized how he played a role in mentoring many others to find their passion and career in the area of diabetes care. Ever since he left the hospital, I still think of him most every day, remembering something he said or taught me, or how he, as our leader, would handle things in such a positive light. He was the kindest, most caring physician I have ever known; a brilliant teacher, physician, leader, and visionary, yet was humble and modest. He had an amazing gift for remembering people by name and for story telling. I am grateful for all he taught me and for having the opportunity to work with him for many years. To the family, I am so very sorry for your loss and for the challenges that Alzheimer's must have been for all of you. May he rest in Peace. I am sending you warm thoughts and prayers for strength at this difficult time.
Joyce Najarian, MSN, RN, CDE
Conni Schwoyer
April 8, 2018
Brenda, I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Merkle's passing. It is now so many years ago since I transcribed for his Practice. As a physician, I recall that he treated his patients with compassion and always gave excellent care. I personally remember him as a gentleman and a family man. Please know that I am praying for you and your family, asking the Holy Spirit to comfort you all and give you peace.
With Blessings and Love,
Conni Schwoyer
Benamin Quintana
April 8, 2018
My sincere condolences to Dr. Merkle's family. He was an excellent physician and a true gentleman. He will be missed by his colleagues and patients.
Christine Hricak
April 8, 2018
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Merkle's passing. I worked with him at endocrinology during his last years at LVHN. He was so hard working and loved every one of his patients. He had a wonderful soul and he will be missed by many. May he be at rest.
Shelly Marks
April 8, 2018
Deepest condolences. One of the loveliest people in the world. Very honored to have worked with him. God bless Dr. Merkle. Deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends.
April 8, 2018
Our condolences to the family. Dr. Merkle was an exellent physician and teacher. I recall rounding with him as a resident and have many fond memories of his training. Patients loved him, and he had excellent bedside manner. It was an honor to have him as our mentor.
Nainesh and Bindi Patel
Roberta Hower
April 8, 2018
Dear Merkle family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father and husband. He was a mentor to me and my colleague Deborah in Endocrine Testing at LVHN. I had the honor and priveledge of working with him in the practice and the hospital. He always put patients first. The majority of the dynamic testing protocols we still use today were developed by him and Dr. Dimmick. His knowledge, skill and passion will not be forgotten.
Kimberly Glenn
April 8, 2018
Prayers to Brenda and Julie. It was an honor to be part of your family all these years. Dr Merkle was a pioneer in endocrinology and it was such an honor to work with such a caring person. I will miss him dearly.
April 8, 2018
Prayer to family bob and Shirley Sowden Zellner Temecula ca
Kathleen Bernini Knapp
April 8, 2018
I was so lucky to have known Dr. Merkle. I am a nurse and I was always impressed with his kindness and knowledge. I asked him how it was possible that he was able to recall the name of every nurse that worked with him, and his response was " Well,Kathy, I make it a priority because it's important". He was one of a kind and the world is a little less without his presence. Please accept my condolences.
David Caccese
April 8, 2018
Larry was a gentleman, an excellent physician, and a respected colleague. He'll be missed by his patients and his professional colleagues. I was honored to be able to know and work with him.
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