Charles Merkwan, Wagner

Charles Merkwan, 85, Wagner, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls.

He was born on June 21, 1927.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church, Dante. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Wagner.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Wagner. Rosary/wake services will be at 7 p.m. today at the church.

Charles “Charlie” A. Merkwan was born at Avon, the son of Frank and Frances (Zacharias) Merkwan.

Charles attended the Rouse Township Country School until the eighth grade. He then started farming with his dad south of Wagner.

Charlie married Valeria M. Kelly (whom he called his sweetie) at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Dante on June 12, 1950.

Five children were blessed to their union.

Charlie will be remembered for his love of farming (with his “756” International tractor), listening to polka music, fishing, looking for someone to speak the Czech language with, his word search puzzles and he would never pass up a cup of coffee and a cookie.

Charlie kept up a daily journal of events for more than 40 years. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends and he will always be remembered for his sense of humor.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Valeria, Wagner; children: Dennis and Mary Merkwan and their daughter, Megan, Wagner; Douglas and Jeanette Merkwan, Fort Worth, Texas; Debra Merkwan and Bob Cuka, Wagner; Denise and Mitch Hertz and their daughter, Emma, and son Alex, all of Sioux Falls; and Donna and Shawn Smejkal and their sons: Cameron, Carter and Dashel and daughter, Sheridan, all of Wagner.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents.

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