Cover photo for Robert D. Merkes's Obituary
Robert D. Merkes Profile Photo
1956 Robert 2018

Robert D. Merkes

December 4, 1956 — October 4, 2018

Robert D. Merkes, age 61, of Lancaster, WI, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 4, 1956 the son of Peter and Yvonne (Heacock) Merkes. Robert graduated Platteville High School. He later enlisted in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, stationed in Germany. Robert married Karla R. Nickel on July 18, 1981. He was a carpenter and handy man, helping in the construction of the Boscobel prison and the Grant County Jail. Robert also worked with Mathy Construction in Dubuque. He enjoyed gambling, farming, hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, and being outdoors. Robert loved being with his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his children: Kareen (Brian) Kuecker, Josh (Katelyn Goodman) Nickel, Michelle (Eugene Line) Merkes, Nathan (Jill Yorkman) Tracy; 10 grandchildren; his siblings: Elaine (Roger) Behnke, Mary (Bernie) Kirschbaum, Janet (Marty) Russell, Linda Hildreth, Randy (Ginger) Merkes, and Lisa (Ray) Kress; a sister-in-law, Karen Merkes; a brother-in-law, Jim Skaife; former wife Karla (Dan Scullian) Nickel; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene; a sister, Diane Skaife; and a brother-in-law, Paul Hildreth.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Lancaster with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may call on Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is assisting the family with his services.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert D. Merkes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, October 12, 2018

9:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lancaster

1234 S. Madison Street , Lancaster, WI 53813

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Friday, October 12, 2018

11:00 - 11:30 am (Central time)

Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lancaster

1234 S. Madison Street , Lancaster, WI 53813

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside

Friday, October 12, 2018

11:30 - 11:45 am (Central time)

Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster

E Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, WI 53813

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Burial

Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster

E Lincoln Ave, CA 93654

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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