Anna D. Merkes

Anna D. Merkes, age 102, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025.

Anna was born on June 8, 1923, in Norway, Michigan, the daughter of the late Madeline and Albert Cappaert. In 1926, the family moved to Kimberly, Wisconsin, where she grew up and graduated from Kimberly High School in 1942.

After graduation, Anna began working at Campbell’s Department Store in downtown Appleton, where a chance encounter would change her life — she met her future sister-in-law, who arranged a date between Anna and her brother, Kenneth (Kenny) Merkes. The two quickly fell in love. Kenny was drafted into service on December 7, 1942, and the couple became engaged when he returned home in May 1943. They were married that November 17, while Kenny was home on leave.

When Kenny returned from the service in December 1945, the couple lived with Anna’s parents until their new home on Lynndale Drive was ready in May 1947. Together they built a beautiful life and raised six children.

Anna was well known for her incredible baking skills — from her famous pasties and pies to cream puffs and Christmas turtles. She and Kenny shared a love of gardening, spending countless hours tending their vegetables and fruit trees, and then canning and preserving the bounty of their harvest — grapes, corn, potatoes, pears, and much more.

Anna also loved her time “up north,” whether sitting around the campfire or in the fishing boat with Kenny by her side. Family and faith were always at the center of her life, and her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and the delicious aroma of something baking in the oven.

Anna lived in her home on Lynndale Drive until she was 100 years old, when she moved to The Mills at Brewster Village, where she continued to brighten the days of those around her with her gentle smile and kind spirit.

She is survived by her children, Jane Gahr, Tom (Marilyn) Merkes, Peg Ulman, Chuck (Kathy) Merkes, and Joe (Joe Amann) Merkes; and her son-in-law, Larry Le Clair. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Scott (Kay) Gahr, Jeff (Anne) Gahr, Dawn (Chad) Hanneman, Jennifer (Aaron) Smith, Brian Ulman, Judy (Andy) Hintz, Tyler (Amanda) Merkes, Kurt Merkes, and Kadin Merkes; her twelve great-grandchildren, Kamden (Camille) Gahr, Logan Gahr, Luke Gahr, Alexis (Tyler Robertson) Hanneman, Colton Hanneman, Lily Hanneman, Charlie Hintz, Oliver Hintz, Lowell Merkes, Marsden Merkes, Elwyn Merkes, and Sylvie Merkes; and her three great-great-grandchildren, Ryder Robertson, Oakley Robertson, and Willow Robertson. She is further survived by her brother-in-law, Jim (Mary) Merkes; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Kenny; her brother, Joe (Leone) Cappaert; her daughter, Cindy LeClair; her son-in-law, Glen Ulman; Kenny’s parents, Della and Walter Merkes; her in-laws, Norbert (Carmen) Merkes, Dick (Carol) Merkes, Lilas (Glen) Van Straten, and Joyce (Bob) Van Fossen; and her cousin, Jeanne (Jozef) Heyndrickx.

A funeral visitation will be held for Anna from 9:00 - 11:15 AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at St. Pius Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11:30 AM. Anna will be laid to rest with her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart of the Nation Catholic Mass or Brewster Village Special Events Fund using the links below.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joyce Bauer, Dr. Toni Jo Neal, and the staff at Brewster Village for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Anna and her family.

Heart of the Nation Catholic Mass: https://www.heartofthenation.org/donate/donate-online

Brewster Village Special Events Fund: https://www.brewstervillage.org/donations/