Mildred R. Merkel - Spring Valley

SPRING VALLEY — Funeral services for Mildred R. Merkel will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 16, 2010, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, with the Rev. Laura Fladten officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Mildred Rosa Merkel, age 78, of Spring Valley, died early Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at the Spring Valley Senior Living, where she had resided for a short time.

She was born December 10, 1931, to Oscar and Alma (Mielke) Kraling in Spring Valley. Mildred attended and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1950 and was united in marriage to Kenneth Merkel on May 2, 1953, in Spring Valley. Together they farmed near Spring Valley for many years.

Mildred enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, socializing with neighbors, reading, playing cards, and especially watching her grandchildren. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where she also taught Sunday School.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth of Spring Valley; 5 children, Karen (Jerry) Skifter of Grand Meadow, Kathleen Hinze, Scott (Kim) Merkel, Todd (Kathy) Merkel and Sara (Jon) Warren, all of Spring Valley; 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren; 5 sisters, Lillian McNee of Lake City, Clara Mae Leichtnam of Plainview, Marjorie (Edward) Manahan of Rochester, Marilyn (LaVern) Strop of Ladysmith, Wis., and Helen (George) Strop of Byron; and 1 sister-in-law, Lorraine Kraling of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Wendell and Kenneth; and a sister, Connie.

Condolences may be left online at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.