Catherine Marie "Katie" Merges

Merges, Catherine Marie "Katie" Age 68, of Albertville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Katie graduated from Elk River High School in 1957. She married her soul mate and best friend Loren in 1958 and lovingly raised 8 kids while working hard as a farmer's wife. Katie was so proud of her family and most enjoyed spending time with them. She loved country music and was known to yodel at many family gatherings. She enjoyed crosswords puzzles, casinos, and running errands with Dad. Katie's faith in God carried her through the cancer treatments and offered her solace. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred (1997) and Isabel (1998) (Meyer) Zimmer; son, Daniel Merges (1984); brothers, Donald (1967), Richard (1998), and Allen (1999) Zimmer. Katie is survived and will be sorely missed by her loving husband of 49-1/2 years, Loren; children, Mike Merges, Tom Merges, Jim (Jill) Merges, Lori (Lloyd) Eicher, Kevin (Melody) Merges, Lisa (Mike) De Mars, Shelley (Jeff) Bursch; 18 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers; 5 sisters; and many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial Wed. 10 AM at St. Albert's Catholic Church of Albertville. Interment St. Albert's Cemetery. Visitation Tues. from 5 PM to 8 PM at Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 250 East Broadway, Monticello. Prayer service Tuesday 7:30 PM. Further visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Wed. The family wishes to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to "Mom's earthly angels": Kathy Busse-Wolfe, Mary Anderson, Shirley Kern, and all of the staff at HHH Cancer Center/Hospice, as well as Father Peter Richards and Deacon Ron Freeman. Until the end, Mom had an absolutely contagious and inspiring smile, laugh and love of life. Early detection is key -- please have scans if you are at risk. Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel 763-295-2918
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.