Walter Stanley Merle, age 83, of Ensign, died Saturday morning, September 3rd, 2005 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where he was a patient for the previous four and a half years.

Walter was born December 23rd, 1921 in Ensign, the son of Frank and Mary (Mauhar) Merle and was a lifelong resident of that area. He was self-employed in farming all his working life and was also engaged as a woods-worker.

Walter was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church of Rapid River. He was always known to enjoy hunting, fishing and also trapping in the winter. In addition, he played the accordion for pleasure. Walter’s family remembers him as an independent and self-reliant man and as a person of faith. Walter considered himself as having a good and full life and he will be sadly missed.   

Walter S. Merle’s survivors include:

3 Sisters-Frances R. Merle; Anne B. Merle; Mary J. Merle  ….all of Ensign

and nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, including; Molly Cassidy of Gladstone, Ivan Stemack of Rapid River, Joe and Gail Stemack of Rapid River, Dorothy and Jim Hardwick of Rapid River.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Julia M. Stemack in 1996.

The family of Walter S. Merle will receive friends on Monday, September 5th, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rapid River with Rev. Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Luncheon will follow service at the church fellowship hall. Burial will be next to his parents at Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Merle family.