Robert E. Merkle

1928 - 2026

Robert E. Merkle
Born: December 12, 1928 in Ashkum, IL
Died: January 17, 2026 in Peoria, AZ
Peoria - Robert E. Merkle, 97, of Peoria, AZ, passed away on January 17, 2026, peacefully at his residence in Peoria, AZ. Bob was born December 12, 1928, in Ashkum, IL, the son of Elmer and Lucille Merkle. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn Merkle, married on December 27, 1952 at the Ashkum Assumption Church.
Also surviving are his children Matthew (Vivian) Merkle and Melinda (Lori) Merkle, and grandchildren, Lyon (JJ) and Angela Yong Merkle.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, parents Elmer and Lucille, and sister Norma Brown.
Bob graduated from Ash/ClifHigh School. He then attended St. Edward's University in Austin, TX for two years, transferred to and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Bob was also an accomplished college baseball pitcher.
After college Bob was draftedby the U.S. Army and trained as a pilot in the U.S Army Air Corps, initially assigned overseas in Germany and later duty stations throughout the United States. He retired in 1955 as a Captain Army Aviator.
After military service Bob returned to operate the family farm in Ashkum. Bob was also a career corporate pilot in the Greater Kankakee area.
He was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing, tennis, and golf.
Bob served many years as past President on the Board of Directors at the Ashkum Grain Elevator/ Tri Central Coop, Board of Directors at the Farmers State Bank of Danforth, Board of Directors of Farmland Industries headquartered in Kansas City, MO, Farmland Foods and its subsidiary companies, and a Board ofDirector at the Merkle Knipprath Nursing Home. Bob was also a member of America Legion and the Elks.
He retired to AZ and enjoyed playing golf with his good friends at West Brook Village throughout his retirement life.
A private internment will beheld at the Ashkum Cemetery.