Guido William Merkel Obituary

Guido William Merkel, 88, of Palmyra, MO, passed away
at 5:53 AM, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 19, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in
Palmyra, MO. Father Gerald Kaimann will officiate. Burial
with full Military Honors performed by Boots-Dickson Post #174 of the American Legion will follow at St. Joseph
Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Please join the family for a luncheon to follow at Farischon Hall in Palmyra, MO.
There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Home in Palmyra, MO.
Guido was born on December 19, 1937, in Quincy, IL, to Guido and Margaret Merkel.
After schooling, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army, and after basic training he was sent to Fairbanks, AK. (Territory of the United States) While in the service he met Barbara “Love of my Life” and married on October 3, 1957, in Fairbanks. AK. In 1959, he was honorably
discharged from the Army. After returning home, he worked at Electric Wheel in Quincy, IL for 22 years.
Afterward, he founded Merkel Scrap Iron & Metal. After several years his son Jeff joined him and as a team effort turned the business into what it is today. He continued with the business until he retired. Along with his wife Barbara, together they fostered several children in their
younger years. He touched the lives of many during his 88 years.
Nothing was more important than family and friends. He loved to travel and going to the Casino’s with family and friends. Guido and his wife, Barbara, were members of the Gem Dandy Square Dance Club in Quincy, IL. He also took much pride in the Ford truck products of his time.
His is survived by his children, Tammy (Bruce) Halverson of Bellingham, WA, Rick (Laura) Merkel of New Haven, MO, Jeffery (Michelle) Merkel of Palmyra, MO, 10 grandchildren, Brandy, Jason (Dora), Karen Ann (Sam), Jennifer (John), Christine (Caleb), Andrea, Zachariah, Shandi (Dustin), Annslee and Landon, 23 great grandchildren, Shelby, Blake, Brooklyn, Nolan, Toby, Maya, Tucker, Heather (Miguel), Derek, Hailey, Hadley, Cohan, Beckham, Vivian, Spencer, Jaydon, Ava, Addy, Ariah, Grace, Alexis, Sophia, Ella, Annie Ray, Emmett, Destiny and Bailey and numerous nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his spouse, Barabara Mickel, parents, Guido and Margaret Merkel and grandson, Zachariah Merkel.

A special thank you to Quincy Medical Group, Blessing Hospital, Dr. Rafi, Dr. Derian, and Dr. Andrew’s for your continuous love and support. It didn’t go unnoticed.

Pallbearers will be Rick Merkel, Jeff Merkel, Shelby Hawthorne, Blake Hawthorne, Dustin Long and Landon Merkel.
Honorary pallbearers will be all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palmyra, MO