Laura Merkle

Laura Merkle, 86, of Ohio City, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Van Wert Manor in Van Wert, Ohio.

She was born on December 20, 1936 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Wilhelm E. Witte and the late Anna (Weber) Witte.

Laura was united in marriage to Norbert Merkle on April 27, 1957 at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim.  He survives.

She graduated from Monmouth High School, class of 1954.  She was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, in Ohio City, Ohio, where she served on the Ladies Aid.

Laura was employed at Teleflex, in Van Wert, Ohio, where she retired.  She previously worked several years at the Fremont Company, in Ohio City, Ohio, as a seasonal worker.  She faithfully served her family as a homemaker.

Laura loved sewing, needlepoint, cross stitch, quilting, and crocheting. Laura loved to garden and preserve the produce that she grew.  She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of almost 66 years, Norbert Merkle   of Ohio City, Ohio; three sons, Dale (Lisa) Merkle of Middle Point, Ohio, Larry Merkle of Middletown, Ohio, and David (Lisa) Merkle of Ohio City, Ohio; two sisters, Dorothy (Ray) Schapper of Woodburn, Indiana and      Lavera (Denny) Linker of New Haven, Indiana; five grandchildren, Lora (Rick) Dirmeyer, Ashley (Josh) McDougall, Ashton (Hannah) Colpetzer, Steven (fiancé Cassandra Kline) Merkle, and Zacheriah (Shelby) Merkle; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Laura was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerhardt Witte, Clarence Witte, Alvin T. “Ollie” Witte, and Wilhelm “Sammy” Witte; and two sisters, Marie Bradtmueller and Lorena Hockemeyer.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church at 6299 German Church Rd, Ohio City, Ohio, with the Pastor Roger Peters officiating.  Burial will follow in the  Evangelical Protestant Cemetery, Ohio City, Ohio.

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday March 10, 2023, at the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Preferred memorial can be given to St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Ohio City, OH

Arrangements are by the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur