Robert L. Merkt

Robert L. Merkt, 82, of Tilden Twp., passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, in his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. (Correll) Merkt. They were married Sept. 18, 2004, and celebrated 19 years of marriage. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara A. (Reber) Merkt, who died Oct. 12, 2001.

Born in Pine Grove, he was a son of the late Oscar and Jennie I. (Lengel) Merkt. He graduated from Pine Grove High School in 1960; and later graduated from Penn State University in 1962. Robert was a member of Salem Berne UM Church, Tilden Twp. He was an Army Reserves veteran. He had worked for Weis Markets-Shillington as a meat cutter for 33 years; a machine operator at Mid-Atlantic Canners, Hamburg; and part time for Green Acres Shed company before fully retiring.

Bob was a member of Vaux Lodge No. 406 F&AM, Hamburg; Rajah Shrine, Reading Consistory, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Schuylkill Shrine Club, Hamburg and Shartlesville Game Associations, and always enjoyed gardening, hunting, camping and square dancing. Bob loved his family, and volunteering at church and the local food bank.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his children, Karen L. (Merkt), wife of Rick Zettlemoyer, Bernville, David R. Merkt, husband of Kathy, Elizabethtown, and Timothy F. Merkt, husband of Gayle, Elizabethtown; and his step-children, Melody N. (Schlegel) Kuykendall, companion of Isaiah Babel, York, and Tad M. Schlegel, husband of Lauren (Hintz), McClure. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Marissa (Merkt) Russell, wife of Lance, Bryce and Chloe Merkt, Sierra Hafer, Kyra Swarmer, William Kuykendall and Michael Schlegel.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. from Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear). A viewing will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. A Masonic service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Zion's Cemetery, Perry Twp., on Friday, July 12, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com