Eugene U. Merkel, age 70, of Jasper

 Gene was born in Jasper on November 28, 1949 to Urban and Lillian (Lampert) Merkel.  He married Beverly Schitter on November 18, 1989, at Salem United Church of Christ. Gene retired from Kimball Electronics after 40 years of service where he worked as a test engineer. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He enjoyed his grandkids and watching them play ball. He loved being outdoors and relaxing on the porch or in the shed. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. 

Surviving are his wife, Beverly Merkel, Jasper, IN, two daughters, Michelle Merkel and companion Shaun Begle, Huntingburg, IN, Jennifer (Brandon) Sims, Newburgh, IN, four grandchildren, Jarrett Merkel, Amber (Daric) Huckelby, Cain and Cooper Sims, two great grandchildren, Leah and Ivan Huckelby, three step great grandchildren, Lacy, Vinny, and Patrick Huckelby, two sisters, Betty (Paul) Harter, Patty (Ambrose) Hoffman, one brother, Kenny (Joan) Merkel, one sister in law, Linda Merkel and one brother in law, Dale Barclay.Preceding him in death are his parents, Urban and Lillian Merkel, two sisters, Margie Wolf, Ginger Barclay, and one brother, Larry Merkel.  

Private services will be held at the Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home downtown chapel in Jasper, Indiana, with entombment at Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or to the endowment for Urban and Lillian Merkel family through the Dubois County Community Foundation.