John Merck • 1918 - 2011

John Merck, 93, Granville, ND, died Thursday, July 7, 2011, at ManorCare Health Services in Minot.

John Felix Merck was born July 5, 1918, a son of Felix and Mary (Meyer) Merck, in Karlsruhe, ND.  He was raised on the family farm located in McHenry County, near Karlsruhe, and educated at a country school in the area. As a young adult, he assisted his parents with the operation of the family farm. He had also worked for various farmers in the area.

In the late 1930’s, John sought work in the Civilian Conservation Corps in a logging camp in Minnesota. Following his work with the CCC, he began his career as a Masonry brick layer. Over the years, he built many chimneys, basements, and worked with plaster. During the time, he also did a little farming near the Merck family farm. He retired in the early 1990’s and remained on the Merck family farm for several years before moving to Granville.

He enjoyed playing the accordion, watching baseball, and fishing.

Surviving family includes: sisters, Catherine Duchsherer, Minot, Regina Kohoutek, Minot, and Elizabeth (Vincent) Schaan, Langdon, ND; brother, Leo (Carolyn) Merck, Minot, William (Mary Jo) Merck, Minot, and Joseph (Beverly) Merck, Bagley, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jane Sattler and Mary Jose; brother, Alex Merck; brothers-in-law, Carl Kohoutek and Roy Duchsherer, John Sattler, and Rudy Jose; and sister-in-law, Gerd Merck.

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation:  Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Monday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Service Participants
Father Bruce Krebs - Celebrant of the Liturgies
Deacon Steve Streitz - Vigil Prayer Service
Steven Merck, Leslie Merck and Jerry Merck - Readers
Dan, Keaton, and Mason Merck - Gift Bearers

Music
Processional Hymn: “Amazing Grace” # 437
Offertory Hymn: “Peace Is Flowing Like A River” # 492
Communion Hymn: “Only A Shadow” # 451
Commendation: “Oh Loving God”
Recessional Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” # 414
Steve and Paulette Streitz, musicians

Honorary Bearers
John’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Steven Merck, Leslie Merck, Leonard Haabak, John Merck,  Jerry Merck, Dan Merck

Following the funeral mass, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the fellowship hall of the church located in the lower level. The graveside service will commence at 3:00 pm.

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness.
Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of John.

To sign the online guest register for John
To view the online guest register for John

To view the inside of John's folder
To view the outside of John's folder

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