Eugene U. Merkel, 70, of Jasper, passed away at 5:17 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020, at home surrounded by family.

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Gene was born in Jasper on November 28, 1949, to Urban and Lillian (Lampert) Merkel.  He married Beverly Schitter on November 18, 1989, at Salem United Church of Christ.

Gene retired from Kimball Electronics after 40 years of service where he worked as a test engineer.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He enjoyed his grandkids and watching them play ball. He loved being outdoors and relaxing on the porch or in the shed. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly Merkel, Jasper; two daughters, Michelle Merkel and companion Shaun Begle, Huntingburg, and Jennifer (Brandon) Sims, Newburgh; four grandchildren, Jarrett Merkel, Amber (Daric) Huckelby and Cain and Cooper Sims; two great-grandchildren, Leah and Ivan Huckelby; three step-great-grandchildren, Lacy, Vinny and Patrick Huckelby; two sisters, Betty (Paul) Harter and Patty (Ambrose) Hoffman; one brother, Kenny (Joan) Merkel; one sister-in-law, Linda Merkel; and one brother-in-law, Dale Barclay.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Urban and Lillian Merkel; two sisters, Margie Wolf and Ginger Barclay, and one brother; Larry Merkel. 

Private services will be held at the Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home downtown chapel in Jasper, with entombment at Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the endowment for Urban and Lillian Merkel family through the Dubois County Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.