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Former Chelsea resident, Richard (Dick) Thomas Merkel (88), son of Norbert and Agnes Merkel, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023 in Alpharetta Georgia.
Dick's wife of 61 years, Kathryn Merkel, passed away in December 2021 with Dick by her side. He is survived by his sister Kathey Koziski and her husband Dick Koziski, in-laws Bill and Mary Kay Bowling, his four children Beth (husband Gary), Dan (wife Colleen), Amy (husband Michael), Jenny (husband Matt), as well as 10 grandchildren and two great grandsons, Owen and Will Otto. Dick's sister Joan Eisele and husband Tom predeceased him.
Dick enjoyed a close and loving extended family of Merkels, Koziskis, Eiseles, and Mennicks. He was an incredibly loving, kind, witty, and generous father, husband, brother, cousin, uncle and grandfather!
When he was a student at Chelsea High School, he was voted All League in basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Notre Dame and was a lifelong fan of N.D. fighting-Irish football games. Dick joined the US Marine Corps in 1956 which included serving in Okinawa for 13 months as 1st Lieutenant before being honorably discharged in 1959.
Dick and Kay had a loving marriage and beautiful friendship. They raised their children in Toledo Ohio and enjoyed many family gatherings at his parents cottage on Cavanaugh lake or at family members' homes in Chelsea. In 1984 they moved to Phoenix Arizona where Dick and Kay had fulfilling careers and were able to spend time with Kay’s parents who lived in Mesa AZ. Dick and Kay traveled the world and enjoyed many beautiful friendships, family gatherings and adventures together. In January 2022, shortly after Kay passed away, Dick moved to Alpharetta Georgia to be close to his son Dan, daughter-in-law Colleen, and their two daughters. He loved his time there with them.
Dick told his children on numerous occasions "it's been a wonderful life!".
The family will hold a private memorial service in Chelsea.
