Elaine Merkel

Elaine L. Merkel, 91, of Howards Grove, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Golden Living Center. Elaine was born August 3, 1923 in Sheboygan to the late Martin and Lydia (Huenniger) Stegemeyer. She attended Bethlehem and Mapledale Schools and received her GED through LTC. On June 23, 1945, she married Wilbert Merkel at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sheboygan. He preceded her in death on November 20, 1997. Elaine was employed at General Box and Lakeland Manufacturing. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove. She was a past church Sunday school and VBS Teacher, a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship, telephone prayer chain and volunteer at Beach Healthcare. She enjoyed oil and acrylic painting, gardening and plants, family gatherings and sewing. Survivors include her children, Richard (Rebecca) Merkel, Kiel, Janice (William) Karl, Suzanne (Dale) Slimmer, Sheboygan and Nancy (Todd) Rakow, Sheboygan; eleven grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Arlene Elmergreen and Dora Mields and three brothers, Martin, Jr., Leslie and Lloyd Stegemeyer. A funeral service for Elaine will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (W2776 Hwy 32, Howards Grove) with the Rev. Darrel Bergelin officiating. Friends may call on Monday, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in her name to be used for Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove