Peter Merkes

Peter Merkes

September 19, 1927 - March 26, 2017

Send Flowers

Obituary

Peter A. “Pete” Merkes, 89 of Ellenboro, died on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Orchard Manor, Lancaster.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville.  Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a parish rosary at 3:45 p.m.; friends may also call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Peter “Pete” Merkes Memorial Fund.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Peter was born on September 19, 1927 at home in Luxemburg, Iowa, the son of Peter and Margaret (Ries) Merkes.  He was united in marriage to Yvonne Heacock on November 19, 1947 in Asbury, Iowa.  She preceded him in death on December 26, 2011.  He relocated from Asbury to Ellenboro, Wisconsin, in 1957, where he was an avid farmer and raised a family of nine children.  He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Farm Bureau.  He enjoyed playing cards and was a part of the oldest card club in Grant County traveling from home to home.  He enjoyed a good shot of whiskey now and again.  He loved farming and all of his livestock.  He enjoyed his travels to Korea and Germany to visit his son, Randy, while in the service, his frequent visits to his daughter in Tucson, Arizona, and all the trips with his sisters and brothers-in-law.

Pete is survived by his children, Elaine (Roger) Behncke of Tucson, AZ; Robert Merkes of Lancaster; Mary (Bernie) Kirschbaum of Lancaster; Janet (Martin) Russell of Belmont; Linda (Paul) Hildreth of Mineral Point, WI; Randy (Ginger) Merkes of Korea; Lisa (Ray) Kress of Platteville; daughter-in-law, Karen Merkes of Cherry Valley, IL; son-in-law, Jim Skaife of Lancaster; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Theresa Foxen and Mary (Joel) Glennon; brother, Arnold (Jackie) Merkes; sister-in-law, Theresa Merkes.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Yvonne, two infant daughters, Nancy and Annette, daughter, Diane Skaife, son, Eugene Merkes, his parents, Peter and Margaret Merkes, brothers, sisters and spouses, Arthur (Dorothy) Merkes, Ambrose (Sylvia) Merkes, Katherine (Joe) Foxen, Leonard Foxen, Clara (Melvin) Weis, Aloysius Merkes, and John (Lucille) Merkes.

Events

There are no events for Peter yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Peter
No photos of Peter have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Peter
GS
Gary...Deb Schmidt
Other •
Hugs to you all. He will be missed on 600 Wing. Deb
BM
Bill Manthe
Other •
Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers in this time. I always enjoyed seeing your dad and grandpa at Orchard Manor when I was there on Sundays or during the week. He seemed like a kind and gentle man. And what a great smile! His eyes lit up when he did. I was blessed to have been at Orchard Manor the morning of his passing from this life to life eternal, and to pray with you. In paradise, may he enjoy perfect joy and happiness with the Lord and all of your/ his family that has gone before. May they all be enfolded in God's love and peace.
RM
Randy & Ginger Merkes
Other •
Dad we will miss you greatly! I am sadden that I cannot make it back to the funeral however I know that you are in a better place and not sad anymore. You was an awesome dad and we love you greatly. Rest well for you have earned it. GOD BLESS YOU DAD!!
BR
Bill & Kathy Rausch
Other •
Randy & family. Our condolences in the passing of your father. We pray you find comfort in God at this time of mourning. You will be in our prayers.
SS
Sandy Staat
Other •
Greetings Mary, Elaine, Lisa, Linda, Randy, Robert, Janet - spouses and families, I'm so sorry to hear of Uncle Pete's passing... I fondly remember visiting your house when I was little, with my parents; playing tag and hide-n-seek in the yard, house and basement; eating yummy home made food that your mom always made and being teased by uncle Pete. He was so large and tall, with a booming voice, that I remember being afraid of him at first, but he always had a smile and a chuckle to share with everyone. The last time we saw them was when they stopped here in Arkansas while we were on a mini vacation to Mt. Mena - they came by there to see us and we had a nice lunch and visit with a great view from the Mt. top. They did enjoy their travels and I'm so glad they had the opportunity to get out and see some of the world. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this sad time. With time, your tears will turn into fond memories that will make you smile. ~ Sandy Heacock Staat
JH
julie Hummel
Other •
I've known the family for years. I wish you all the peace of knowing he gave his best in farming, to God and his family. Live on and know he was a good man and a good father.

Share memorial