Ervin "Merk" Merkel

Ervin Merk Merkel, 85, of Great Falls, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at Peace Hospice surrounded by his loving family.No services are planned per his request. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Merk was born on August 28, 2015 in McLaughlin, South Dakota to Gus and Hilda Merkel. In 1951, he joined the US Marines and served for four years. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He then became employed with the Anaconda Company as a crane operator until the smelter closed in Great Falls. He moved with the company by transferring to Tonopah, NV and then to Wright, WY. He retired in 1986 and returned home with the love of his life, Shirley, to Great Falls.His retirement was spent fishing many a day in the Montana area, and eventually on his dream trip to Alaska with his whole family.Merk is survived by his wife of 35 years, Shirley; stepchildren Rick (Lynn) Braaten, Vicky Clark, Melinda (Mick) Brown, and Roxie (Jeff) Broden; children Kathy Voytoski, Sherryl Clasen; and Myron Merkel; and numerous grandchildren.He was preceded in death by a son, Marvin Merkel.