Richard J. Merkt

Richard James Merkt, 71, passed into the arms of the Lord on
March 17, 2018 at Harbor Haven Health Care Center, Fond du Lac.

He was born September 26, 1946 in Milwaukee a son of the
late Joseph C. and Myrtle L. Pope Merkt.

Richard married Betty Kollmansberger. He later was united in
marriage to Joetta “Penny” Hefner on December 31, 1996 at The Rock Bible
Baptist Church, Theresa.

He was a 1964 graduate of Kewaskum High School. Richard
joined the United States Navy in 1964 and served in Viet Nam aboard the U.S.S.
Midway as an aviation ordnance man. During his second tour of duty he served
aboard the U.S.S. Bennington again off the coast of Viet Nam. Following his
military service he was employed by Serigraph Sales of West Bend for many years
until his retirement. Richard was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include one daughter Tina Merkt of West Bend, two
sons, Eric Merkt of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Paul Merkt of Kewaskum, WI, a
step-son, Russell (Lainie) Grantman of Theresa, WI, six grandchildren, Gage,
Grace, Corbin and Savannah Merkt, Joshua and Allison Grantman, one
great-granddaughter, Kairi Merkt. He is further survived by four sisters,
Jeanne Jaeger, Kathy Kougl, Donna Dallen-Seering and Mary Roberts, and by
nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Penny in 2016, three
brothers, Robert, David and Gregory Merkt, and other beloved family members.

Visitation:  The
family will receive relatives and friends on, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 12:00
PM to 1:45 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street in Fond du Lac.

Service:  A funeral
service will be held following the visitation at 2:00 PM at the funeral home
with Pastor Joseph McGee officiating and military honors. Inurnment will take
place, at a later date, in Ledgeview Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be found at
www.zacherlfuneralhome.com