LILLIAN MERKLEY

Diamond Lil Age 86, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2009, at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center. She was born July 3, 1923, in Freedom, the daughter of the late William and Adeline (Fox) Daul. She married Wilbur J. Merkley on October 16, 1948, in Freedom. He preceded her in death March 29, 2008. Lillian worked at Zwickers Knitting Mill, Marathon Corp., and Schultzs dime store in Menasha. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church, Menasha. Lillian loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a great cook and baker, and made the best German potato salad and rhubarb strawberry jam. She is survived by two sons, Donald Merkley and Paul (Vicki) Merkley, all of Neenah; two daughters, Karen (Doug) Smith, Menasha, and Mary (Roger) DeChaine, Hermantown, MN; six grandchildren, Christopher (Jen), Matthew (Jodi), Adam (Samantha), Shana (Jeremiah), Derek and Sean. Lillian is further survived by her sister, Helen (Clyde) Thomas, DePere; her brother, Gerald (Jean) Daul, Kaukauna, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Wilbur J. Merkley, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Willard (Grace) Daul, Lloyd (Lorraine) Daul, Joe (Alice) Daul, and Ronald (Marge) Merkley. The Funeral Mass for Lillian will be celebrated Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Menasha, with Fr. Paul Radetski officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of mass at the church. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha. A special thank you to: Drs. Thirunavu and Ashta, everyone at Hearthside Manor and the staff at Oakridge Gardens; your care and concern for our Mother will always be remembered. She died with dignity because of all of you.