Jerome George "Jerry" Merkle

Jerome George "Jerry" Merkle, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 in Topeka. He was born September 21, 1944 in Mitchell, South Dakota, the son of George O. and Evelyn (Johnson) Merkle.

Jerry graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in South Dakota. He was an Army Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a Route Salesman for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company for over 20 years. He and his family moved to Topeka in 1989, and was employed by Cargo Masters, Gully and Mid Cities where he retired. He later went to work part-time for McCrite Plaza. Jerry was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the V.F.W. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Jerry married Emagene Kahl on November 19, 1966 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She survives. Other survivors include three children, Jay (Christina) Merkle, John (Lorie) Merkle, and Carla (John) Metcalfe, eleven grandchildren, Austin, Hunter, Jacob, Thad, Gracie, Brooke, Noah, Garrett, Shephard, and Kaelyn, and his two sisters, Sandra (Kurt) Schultz and Kathryn Merkle.

A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Private inurnment will take place in Leavenworth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Christ Lutheran Church, 3509 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, Kansas 66611 or to the Disabled Veterans of America, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

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