Frank D. Merkiel

Merkiel, Frank D. Saginaw, Michigan Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Age 61 years. He was born September 3, 1952, in Saginaw, the son of the late Frank and Beverly (Vierke) Merkiel. He served with the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was awarded the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the RVN Meritorious Unit Citation, and the CivAct Citation (First Class) with palm and fronds. He had been employed by Mooney's/Dean Foods in merchandising. He enjoyed working on cars and the out of doors, especially hunting and fishing. He married Margaret Schomaker on April 29, 1977; she survives him. He also leaves four daughters and four sons, Alissa Merkiel, Sue and Kurt Knowlton, Vickie and Scott Carpenter, Dale McLeod, Randy Deming, Beth McLeod, and Jeff and Mary Duby; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother, Karen Frost, Jean Kinville and James and Angela Merkiel; several nieces, nephews and their families, and an aunt, Glenda Vierke. He was predeceased by a sister, Kathy Purcell and an infant sister, Debbie. Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2014, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, where his family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. Friday until the time of service. David B. Jewell will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Carrollton VFW Post #1859. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the American Heart Association or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603