Eugene “Gene” Peter Merkes, 68, Cherry Valley, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January, 23, 2017, at home. He was born December 31, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Peter and Yvonne (Heacock) Merkes. Gene and his family moved to Ellenboro, WI in 1957, where he was raised on a farm on the Big Platte River. He was a graduate of Platteville High School. Gene married Karen N. Olsen in Rockton on November 10, 1990. He was employed at Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere for 46 ½ years and was active as a union official for the UAW Local #1268. Gene was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church. He loved deer hunting, fishing, going to garage sales, and antiquing.

Survived by his loving wife, Karen of Cherry Valley; his sons, Justin and Kerry Merkes; his grandson, Jordon Merkes; his great-grandson, Grayson Merkes; his father, Peter A. Merkes; his sisters, Elaine (Roger) Behncke, Mary (Bernie) Kirschbaum, Janet (Marty) Russell, Linda (Paul) Hildreth, and Lisa (Ray) Kress; his brothers, Robert Merkes and Randy (Ginger) Merkes; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his mother, Yvonne; his sisters, Annette and Nancy Merkes and Diane Skaife.

Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 27, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford with a Eulogy service at 7:00 P.M. There will be another visitation at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, 1245 N. Water St. Platteville, WI from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 30, 2017. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 130 W. Cedar St, Platteville, WI with a visitation from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at the church. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Platteville, WI. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com or www.melbyfh.com.

Eugene Merkes

December 31, 1948 - January 23, 2017

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