George F. Merkel, age 89, of Huron, SD passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Huron Regional Medical Center in Huron, SD.  His funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Monday, October 28, 2019 at American Lutheran Church in Huron, SD, with military honors by the Huron Veteran's Council. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2-4 PM on Sunday, October 27, 2019 with family present at Welter Funeral Home; or one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

George F. Merkel, son of Fred E. and Emma (Trautman) Merkel was born on April 2, 1930 in Eureka, South Dakota. George attended country school and Eureka High School graduating in 1946. He then attended college in Ashley, North Dakota and Aberdeen, South Dakota. George served in the United States Army from 1953-1955.

George married Martha Schuler on October 30, 1955 in Aberdeen, SD.  They lived in Aberdeen, SD, and Gettysburg, SD before moving to Huron, SD in 1960.

George worked as a teacher and administrator for seven years and then in sales for 10 years. He then found his true passion of accounting and tax preparation which he did for 39 years. George was a member of Kiwanis, American Legion, VFW and the American Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards and going to auctions.

Grateful for having shared in George's life are his children, Karla (Dave) Wells of Loveland, CO and David (Carrie) Merkel of Billings, MT; five grandchildren: Christopher, Curtis Wells and Kristina (Daniel) Renz, and Brooke (Dale) Merkel-Dolecheck and Tyler Merkel; great-grandchildren: Kaylynn, Jorianna, and Charlottie Wells; brother Jim (Stella) Merkel and sister Mary Jane Oster; and several nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his wife Martha in February 2019; brother Harold (Gertie) Merkel, sister Donna Merkel in infancy, and brother-in-law Herbert Oster.