Marion A. Merkl

Marion Amanda Merkl (Schabow) passed into her eternal home with God on September 28, 2024. She was born on January 13, 1931 to the late Herbert and Nathalie (Hersekorn) Schabow. She was received into God’s kingdom through the waters of Holy Baptism on February 8, 1931 at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church and confirmed her faith there on April 2, 1944.

Upon her graduated from Appleton High School in 1948, Marion worked at the former Aid Association for Lutherans, now Thrivant. She married George E. Merkl on May 17, 1952 at St. Matthew Church and they raised two children. George died on September 8, 1976.

Marion later became a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton where she did volunteer work. She also was a volunteer for 25 years at Appleton Memorial Hospital, now ThedaCare Regional Medical Center.

Marion loved to take care of her flowers and knit. She knit for herself, her family, and others. She also knit sweaters for a church volunteer project which sent them to children in impoverished countries.

Marion was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took wonderful care of her special needs son, Bill, up until his passing in 2023.

Marion is survived by her daughter, Debra (Joe) Ferris; her grandchildren, Jessica, Joseph (Molly), Jackson, and James; her great-grandson, Remy; her sister, Helen Brahm; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Marion is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Nathalie; her husband, George; her son, Bill; her brothers, Alvin (Enid), Norman (Mary Jane), Gordon (Jean Karwick), Armin (Ila), and Edwin Schabow; her sisters, Evelyn (Carl) Meitner, Joann (George) Franzke, and Jean (Orlo) Sasman; and her brother-in-law, Gene Brahm.

A funeral visitation will be held for Marion on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 10-11 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Ave, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Marion will be laid to rest alongside her husband, George, at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Agape 6 in Appleton or sending knitted clothes (bought or made) to Knit for Kids using the instructions found on their website. 

Donate to Agape: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XB5QW3S9P7U6Y

Instructions for Knit for Kids: https://www.knitforkids.org/take-action/mailing-info.html