Laura Lorraine Merckx

On March 19, 2022, Laura Lorraine Merckx (nee Gendron), 92, found herself in the arms of Jesus.   Laura was born in Niagra, WI to William and Laura Gendron on July 14, 1929. Laura married Frank Merckx on November 24, 1948, and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage when Frank died in 2011. 

Laura loved to dance, and she and Frank enjoyed many years with the Cabaret dance club and developed many life-long friendships. Despite Frank’s endless dieting, Laura loved to bake every kind of treat, and could never understand “Why can’t Dad lose weight?” 

After their retirement, Laura and Frank bought a boat, and spent countless hours on Lake Winnebago where Frank fished and Laura sunbathed and read books.  When the children were old enough the family would go up to Penny and Ed’s house on Legend Lake where Yvonne and Laura could be found commiserating and telling secrets like school-girls under the covers.

Laura will be deeply missed by her children: Bonnie Hartzheim, Kay (Bruce) Petros and Tom (Sue) Merckx; grandchildren: Keely (Justin) Wilson, Quinn (Brian) Van Asten, Alex (Kristin) Hartzheim, Jason Bergeron, Matthew (Laura) Petros, Ryan Petros, and Hanna (Mike Coppens) Merckx.  Further surviving her are great grandchildren: Trent (Allyson White) Wilson, Shaylan Wilson, Sienna, Aemin, and Emmett Hartzheim, Callen Van Asten and Myah and Hailey Petros. Laura will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Laura is preceded in death by the love of her life Frank, infant daughter Dawn Marie; her parents, and son in law Phil Hartzheim. As the last of her generation Laura’s sister and  brothers, as well as Franks sisters and brother also preceded her.

Laura’s family would like to thank her past and present caregivers with a special hug to Bob, as well as ThedaCare at Home Hospice especially Amber and Ida. 

A funeral liturgy will be held Thursday March 24, 2022 at 12:00pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church 309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna, WI with Father Don Everts officiating.  Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the time of mass. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.