Robert M. "Bob" Merkel, age 93, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 27, 2024, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on May 4, 1931, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Ferdinand and Mary (Young) Merkel.
Bob graduated from Chelsea High School in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. After graduating from college, he served for two years in the U.S. Army in Germany. In 1955, Bob joined the family business, now known as Merkel Furniture and Carpet One, where he and his brother, Jack, partnered for 56 years. The business celebrated its 100th year of continuous operation in August and is managed by his son, Howard, and his great-nephew, George Merkel.
On February 2, 1963, Bob married Barbara J. (Collins) in Ann Arbor, MI. Together, they raised their family in Chelsea, where Bob was deeply committed to his community. Bob was a founding member of the Chelsea Downtown District Authority. He served on the Chelsea District Library Board, and he was an active member of Kiwanis. He volunteered endless hours in his community and was a faithful contributor to his church. In 1994, Bob and Barb retired and moved to Ann Arbor, where they were members of St. Thomas Catholic Church. They enjoyed a fulfilling retirement, splitting their time between Ann Arbor and Bonita Springs, Florida. While in Bonita Springs, he continued to use his furniture and design talent as a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara; four children, Sara (Jonathan) Bonesteel of Ann Arbor, William R. Merkel of Arlington, VA, Dr. Edward T. (Aleza) Merkel of Canton, MI and Howard M. (Michaele) Merkel of Ann Arbor; nine grandchildren; his brother, D. Patrick (Sandra) Merkel of Chelsea; his brother-in-law, James (Florence) Collins of Florida; and sister-in-law, Patricia Collins of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, "Jack" Merkel, sister, Gertrude "Dot" Mennick, and daughter-in-law, Heidi Merkel.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church or Bowling Green University Arts Scholarship Fund.
