Obituary – Lucy Merkel

CROFTON — Lucy T. Merkel, 93, Crofton, died March 25, 2008 at the Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, S.D.
Visitation, with a rosary and wake service, were March 28 at the Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, and resumed one hour prior to the service at the church.  Mass of Christian Burial March 29 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Menominee, with Rev. Michael Schmitz officiating.

Burial was in the parish cemetery.  Pallbearers were Craig, Troy, Jody, Wade, Ben and Chris Merkel, and Todd Becker, the grandsons of Lucy.
Lucy was born Nov. 24, 1914, at Utica, S.D., to Albert and Lena (Heinish) Borgheiinck.  She moved to Menominee, at age five, and attended school at St. Boniface School, Menominee.  Lucy married Emery Merkel Feb. 6, 1936 at St. Boniface Catholic Church.  They lived and farmed in the Crofton area.
Lucy and her sister, Anna, cleaned homes together for many years.
Lucy was a member of the Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild of Menominee.  She loved gardening, canning and baking, especially cookies for all of her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by one daughter and husband, Marlene and Leon Becker, Yankton, S.D.; five sons and wives, Marvin and Patsy Merkel, Kingman, Ariz.; Allen and Del Rae Merkel, Littleton, Colo.; Charles and Judy Merkel, Omaha; Donny and Mary Merkel, Littleton, Colo.; and Rick and Pat Merkel, Crofton; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anna Kuehn and Rosella Tramp, both of Yankton, S.D.; a brother, Alfred Borgheiinck, Fullerton; and many nieces and nephews.
Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Nov. 13, 1970; her parents; two brothers, Frank and Ambrose Borgheiinck; and two sisters, Martha Estes and Zita Amick.