Evelyn Becker
August 27, 2024
Dan was such a great man including his wife Betty. I cleaned for them for a few years and loved them both. He will be missed.
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It is with sadness we announce the passing of Daniel Merkel, 95, who was called home to heaven on July 31, 2024. Dan founded American Orthodontics with his wife, Betty, in 1968. He was an integral part of the business for the majority of his life. Dan leaves behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and entrepreneurship. He genuinely cared about people. He was known for his good nature and his ability to entertain with his stories and his jokes. Dan will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and work with him.
Dan was born on May 12, 1929, on Mother’s Day, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He was the youngest son of Arthur and Helen (Ligman) Merkel. Dan graduated from Marshfield High School in 1947 and from Marquette University in 1951 with a degree in Business Administration.
Dan is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Diane (Allie) Knoll of Stratford, WI, Carol (Carlos) Garces of New Berlin, WI, and Sandra (Randy) Benz of Brookfield, WI, and a daughter-in-law, Suzy Merkel of North Carolina. Nine grandchildren Sarah (John) Dahmen, Adam (Angela) Knoll, John (Jackie) Knoll, Dan (Katelan) Garces, Maria Garces (Peter Lafaivre), Casey (Mary) Garces, Anthony Benz (Tiffanie Mosey), Derek (Amy) Benz, Emily Benz (Dan Tournoux), and 17 great-grandchildren further survive him.
In addition to the loss of his much loved wife of 63 years, Betty, Dan’s first-born son, Douglas Merkel, predeceased him. Dan was also preceded in death by two sisters. Irene Merkel, and Lorraine (Bill) Catlin, and his brother Jerome (Dorothy) Merkel.
Dan’s family would like to express a special thank you to the entire staff at Tender Hearts Senior Care for their devoted care and all who have shown love and friendship to Dan throughout his lifetime.
There will be a time for visitation on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th St., Sheboygan, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2136 N. 21st St., Sheboygan, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness or tell someone a joke in Dan’s memory.
Visitation
Date: Monday Aug 12, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home [map]
Visitation
Date: Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: St. Dominic Catholic Church [map]
Mass of Christian Burial
Date: Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: St. Dominic Catholic Church [map]
Guestbook Entries SIGN GUESTBOOK
Marv Briggs
August 12, 2024
How fortunate I was in August of 1986 when I started a 21 year career at American Orthodontics and how lucky to have such a kind, gentle, humble leader to welcome me on that first day. Dan was so beloved by his employees because he understood that showing respect to those who worked for him and creating an atmosphere of trust brought loyalty among his workers. Dan, I will never forget your many kindnesses and how lucky I was to know you. The longevity of AO's work force was in great tribute to your leadership. You will be remembered always!
Marie E Merkel
August 2, 2024
To my good friend, you will always be remembered. When you see your Mother, give her a kiss for me and give your nephew a big hug. They and you will always be missed.
Lynn (Merkel) Wester
August 2, 2024
Saddened to hear of Uncle Dan's passing. He was a super guy - funny, compassionate, brilliant, and loving. He will be remembered by many. My love to his large family.
Niece Lynn (Merkel) Wester and nephew John Gregory Merkel
Cindy DesArmo
August 1, 2024
To the entire Merkel family. I am so sorry for the loss of
Dan. I could write many stories here but I’ll keep it brief. Dan was a gentleman, a great businessman and a friend to one and all. We had many great conversations and shared many jokes together. It was an honor to have worked for Dan’s Company and to meet Betty on a few occasions. They are together again and happy. I’ll never forget you Dan, you were the best coworker I’ve ever worked for! He always said he was a co-worker just like the rest of his employees. I’ll miss you Dan ❤️