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Michael J. Merkel, age 67, of Dubois
Michael J. Merkel, age 67, of Dubois, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at St. George Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah following an unexpected medical event while on vacation.
Mike was born in Huntingburg, Indiana, on December 12, 1958, to Hialmar L. and Ruth J. (Seng). He married Denise Clery on July 25, 1981, in St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together, they recently celebrated 45 years of marriage, sharing a lifetime of love, memories, and adventures.
He was a 1977 graduate of Northeast Dubois High School. He graduated from Indiana State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting where he was on their cross-country team. He was proud of the fact that he qualified for the Boston Marathon.He was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church in Dubois.
Mike worked for Kimball International for over 40 years, holding many different roles with the company, most recently as a Systems Analyst before his retirement in April of 2024.
Mike had a love for life and a great passion for many things, including Notre Dame football, grilling, gardening, and working in the yard. He and Denise enjoyed going on Jeep rides and just spending time together. He took great pride in planning the annual family vacation, where many cherished memories were made. He also enjoyed spending time at the shop and M & M Beef Farm, which he shared with his brother, Tim. A proud American, Mike loved helping to plan the annual 4th of July celebration at his family’s lake. He was best known as a devoted family protector and the most vocal supporter of his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews at any and all sporting events.While he treasured all of these things, nothing compared to his favorite roles in life—that of a devoted husband, proud dad, and even prouder Papaw. His family was his greatest joy, and the memories, traditions, and love he leaves behind will be cherished forever.
Mike worked for Kimball International for over 40 years, holding many different roles with the company, most recently as a Systems Analyst before his retirement in April of 2024.
Mike had a love for life and a great passion for many things, including Notre Dame football, grilling, gardening, and working in the yard. He and Denise enjoyed going on Jeep rides and just spending time together. He took great pride in planning the annual family vacation, where many cherished memories were made. He also enjoyed spending time at the shop and M & M Beef Farm, which he shared with his brother, Tim. A proud American, Mike loved helping to plan the annual 4th of July celebration at his family’s lake. He was best known as a devoted family protector and the most vocal supporter of his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews at any and all sporting events.While he treasured all of these things, nothing compared to his favorite roles in life—that of a devoted husband, proud dad, and even prouder Papaw. His family was his greatest joy, and the memories, traditions, and love he leaves behind will be cherished forever.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Merkel, Dubois; three children: Quintin (Kelsey) Merkel, Jasper; Ethan (Jenna) Merkel, Jasper; and Latesha Merkel, Mount Pleasant, Michigan; five grandchildren: Shae and Keely Merkel, and Cecilia, Parker and Josie Merkel, five brothers: Steve (Judy) Merkel, Pat (Cathy) Merkel, Terry (Karen) Merkel, Tim (Kimberly) Merkel, and Chris Merkel, five sisters: Carol (Duane) Persohn, Marilyn Dudley, Kathy (Jerry) Schmitt, Sharon Hemmerlein, Jan (Chris) Card, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael J. Merkel will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Isidore Parish- St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Dubois, Indiana. A burial will be held at a later date.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11th, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Mass time at the church on Thursday.