Harold
G.
Merkler
Obituary
Harold G. Merkler, 84, of Fort Wayne, died Monday October 16, 2023. He was born in Fort Wayne on March 14, 1939, the son of the late Frank T. and Gazel (Wabel) Merkler. Harold, or “Howie” as he was known by family and friends, graduated from Northside High School with the Class of ’58, went on to earn his degree from Purdue University and served his country proudly in the US Navy. Harold was an engineer and operated Merkler Machine Works until his retirement in 1998. Harold enjoyed woodworking, travelling, sailing their boat in Florida, and tending to his Hobby Farm.
He is survived by Claudia Merkler, his wife of 34 years; children, Laura Merkler Sherwood of Daytona Beach Shores FL, Elizabeth Pursell in Kansas, Renee Klink of Angola, Rhonda Cox of Altamonte Springs FL, Raelynn Cox of Angola, Robert Cox of Fremont, Richard (Megan) Cox of Melbourne FL and Scott (Debbie Clark-Cox) Cox of Fort Wayne; sisters-in-law, Janice Lamott of Crooked Lake and Padre Island TX, Sharon Alter of North Ft. Myers FL; 18 grandchildren (and one on the way) and 7 great-grandchildren (an one on the way). Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Charlotte Warda and his brothers, Jim Merkler and Jack Merkler.
Funeral Services 1:00pm Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. where the family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00pm. Interment in Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The family’s preferred memorial is the American Cancer Society, online at donate.cancer.org or by mail to 111 E Ludwig Rd Suite 105, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
Services
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Lori, Beth, and Claudia,
Uncle Howie was a good man with a twinkle in his eye. Our condolences to you on the loss of your father. We will all miss him.
Elizabeth,
The Riverview Staff is very sorry for the loss of your father. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. May your memories with your dad hold you close in comfort.
I remember like it was yesterday when I was 5 years old he asked me if I would like him to be my Daddy Forever! He explained the best he could to me about how he wanted to adopt me and change me last name to Merkler. Daddy came in my life when I was 3 years old and I had no memory of my biological father to me Daddy was ALWAYS my DADDY. Of course I said yes and the process started. About 6 months later I answered the phone because my mom couldnt answer it at the time. On the other end of the phone was my adoption atty that was just calling to let my mom know that the adoption was complete and she could now change my last name to Merkler. The atty asked me to relay the message to my mom! I ran to my mom with so much excitement and told her the news! Daddy came home with roses that day from work and told me Im your DADDY forever! Family was very important to him and always put everyone before himself. Even though Im not his biological child he always made me feel like I was but, not only too me but my moms other 5 children which all had their own dad. He also gave them guidance and direction and put them on a successful path. He made us all feel special and that we were his children. When he and Claudia… Read more »
Sending Love & Strength to Rick, Megan and the girls and family
Claudia, you have our deepest sympathy. I had so much fun working with Howie on the racing book and fun times at Sylvan Lake in our younger days. So sorry, we will miss the funeral, we will be in Arizona at that time. Love, Pidge and John
Uncle Howie, you always had a twinkle in your eye and a tender heart. Thank you for being a good role model for the children growing up around you: nieces, nephews, kids, step-kids, and countless others.
Howie, God bless your soul. Thank you for lifting us out of despair and setting us on the path to success. We trust you will be well rewarded in heaven and we will see you someday in paradise.