Madelin T. Merkle, 94, residing in South Bend, passed away at 8:30am Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in her home. She was born January 26, 1928, in Lansing, IL to the late Leo and Elsie (Daehn) Smith.
Madelin was a graduate of Hartnett Business College before moving from Lansing to the South Bend area in 1961.
On May 27, 1961, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansing, IL, Madelin married Clifford Merkle, who preceded her in death on August 24, 1982. She was also preceded by her brother, Leroy Smith in 1998.
She is survived by two daughters, Alice (Kevin) Sinclair of Noblesville and Doris Merkle of South Bend; one son, Jim (Kate) Merkle of Buchanan, MI; and two grandchildren, Rebecca (Darrell) Kendall and Jessica (Jeffrey) Blue; as well as two great grandchildren, Raegan and Harper Kendall.
Madelin was the secretary at St. Paul Lutheran Church, from which she retired in 2020 after 34 years. She was also an active member of the church.
The family would like to thank Center for Hospice Care for the excellent care Madelin received in her final days.
Funeral services for Madelin will be held at 11:00am Monday, May 9, 2022, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Road, South Bend. Rev. Gregory Fiechtner and Rev. Jeremiah Jording will officiate. Private burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 – 7:00pm Sunday, May 8, 2022, in the Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Madelin may be donated to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637.
Online condolences may be left for the Merkle family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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