Obituaries & Guestbook

John Gregory Merkel, age 77, of Sheboygan, WI passed into the arms of Jesus on July 9, 2025. He was born in Ashland, WI to Jerome & Dorothy Deakin Merkel on April 28, 1948, and was raised in Bayfield, WI.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1967. John spent his entire career as a dedicated employee of Kohler Company working as an inspector in the Small Engine Division.
John was an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed traveling to area car shows in the summer. He had an extensive collection of scale model cars as well. John was a member of Hope Church in Sheboygan and spent time volunteering weekly at the church’s Hope Café and ushering on Sundays.
John, or Greg as he was known by his family, is survived by his sister Patricia (Lynn) Wester, half-sisters Sheila Davis & Judith Weber, sister-in-law Marie Merkel and 15 nieces & nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome & Dorothy Merkel, his half-brother Jerry Pat Merkel, and his half-sister Sharon Knutson.
A Celebration of Life for John will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Church, 612 Ontario Ave. Sheboygan, WI with Pastor David Vandokkumburg officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions in John’s name may be forwarded to Hope Church in Sheboygan.