Roger Merkey's Obituary
Roger Merkey, age 84, passed away Tuesday morning at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence following a brief illness. He was born in Manistee, MI on May 7, 1926 the youngest, of two sons to William and Ella (Haase) Merkey. Following graduation from Manistee High School in 1944, Roger enlisted into the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of WWII. He returned to Manistee following the war and shortly thereafter moved to Muskegon and began his career with the General Telephone Company as a switchman. He retired in 1991 after more than 40 years. He married the former Lea I. Wilson in Muskegon on February 3, 1951 and she preceded him in death on June 2, 1993. He is survived by: five children, Gary L. (Wendy) Merkey of Norton Shores, Brit A. (Claudia) Merkey of Ocean Side, CA, Phillip R. (Geralyn) Merkey of Houghton, MI, Kathy M. and her partner Vickie of Lansing and Brenda J. and fiancé, John Patterson of Manistee; 9 grandchildren,Stephanie (David) Slye, Alexandra Merkey, Charla (Mason) Martin, Dustin (Carol) Merkey, Joshua Merkey, Nicole Gruss, Racquel Gruss, Caitlyn Merkey and Meghan Merkey;and 3 great-grandchildren, Cohen Moulatsiotis, Reid Slye and Olivia Merkey. A memorial service will be held at:The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 3:00 P.M., Friday, March 4, 2011, Rev. Karen Biggerstaff officiating. Interment: Sunrise Memorial Gardens. The family will begin receiving guests one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions: Harbor Hospice.
What’s your fondest memory of Roger?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roger?
Share a story where Roger's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roger you’ll never forget.
How did Roger make you smile?