Frank Nicholas
& Doreen Mary (O'Donnell) Merkl

Lethbridge Herald - December 6, 1996
MR. FRANK N. MERKL beloved husband of Mrs. Doreen Merkl of Lethbridge, AB passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 9, 1996 at the age of 65 years. Besides his loving wife of 43 years, Doreen, Frank is survived by his children, Shelley Merkl (Gary) of Lethbridge, Dana (Martina) Merkl of Lethbridge, Bernie Merkl of Vancouver, BC and Coreen (Bill) Warnock of Iron Springs, AB, as well as grandchildren Char-Lene (Mike), Dyck, Sean, Corey, Jeremiah, Chris, Melissa, Taylor, Kendall and Mackenzie Merkl, Jimmy Woods and Christy Warnock. He is also survived by his sister Theresa (Marvin) Valgardson, and brother Tony (Irene) Merkl of Taber.

He was predeceased by his father Anthony , Mother Katherine and sister Mary. Frank served in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1952 to 1963, and was a proud member of the Korean War Vets and the Royal Canadian Legion. On October 4, 1961 he broke his neck in a diving accident. Frank was very active in the community, serving three terms as Alderman of the City of Lethbridge, served on the Lethbridge Exhibition Board, and was a shareholder of the Lethbridge Huricanes.He also served as Commissioner of the Lethbridge Minor Football League as well as served on the Board of the Lethbridge Health Unit, and received his Arts Degree from the U of L. Frank was a Co-Founder of the Lethbridge Handi-Bus, he had a strong voice for the disabled. He was the Canadian Vice President of (COHPO) Canadian Organization for Handicap People's Organization.

Frank will be sadly missed by his family, especially his grandchildren and his many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Mayor Magrath Drive, South Lethbridge, AB on Friday, December 6, 1996 at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, December 7, 1996 at 1:00 pm with Reverend Howard Keon, C.S.B. Celebrant. Interment to follow at Mountainview Cemetery.

In lieu of other donations, memorial tributes may be made to the Lethbridge Handi-Bus, 207 - 13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2R6. Honoured to serve the family CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2600 Mayor Magrath Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 7B1, telephone 403-381-7777

Cornerstone, March 18, 2010
MRS. DOREEN M. MERKL, beloved wife of the late Frank N. Merkl of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the age of seventy-five years.

Doreen was predeceased by her husband of forty -three years and is lovingly remembered by her children; Shelley Merkl (Gary) of Lethbridge, Dana (Martina) Merkl of Lethbridge, Bernie Merkl of Vancouver and Coreen (Bill) Warnock of Iron Springs, as well as grandchildren; Char-Lene (Michael) Dyck, Sean Merkl (Debbie), Jeremiah (Carolyn) Merkl, Christopher Merkl, Corey Merkl, Jim Warnock (Brandie), Taylor Merkl, Wade Warnock, Kendal Merkl (Andrew), Christy Warnock, Mackenzie Merkl (Bryan), Melissa Merkl, and Jordan Plettl as well as great-grandchildren Bailey, Carson and Brennan Dyck, Morgan Merkl, Austyn Wright and Devon Warnock.

She was predeceased by her father, Peter, mother, Martha and brothers and sisters-in-law; Elmer, Fred (Thelma), Butch (Brida), Tom (Helen), Bernard and John O’Donnell. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Eva and Tillie O’Donnell.

Doreen was born in Purple Springs, AB, on May 9, 1934. She was the only girl in a family of six older brothers so Doreen learned how to be strong at a young age. On April 18th, 1953 she married Frank Merkl who was serving in the Royal Canadian Navy and was stationed in Victoria, BC. It was here that all of her children were born except Dana who was born in Taber. On October 4, 1961, Frank was injured in a tragic diving accident that left him a quadriplegic at the age of thirty. Doreen spent many years of her life caring for Frank and supporting his crusade to help the disabled.

Doreen also worked many years at Woolco Department Store. It was here that she met her very close friend, Barbara Hopkins. Doreen and Barb shared many great times travelling, playing bingo and attending hockey games. Doreen was an enthusiastic hockey fan whether for the Lethbridge Hurricanes or for her own grandchildren.

All of those privileged to know Doreen will remember the hours of togetherness shared around her kitchen table. She created for each of us a sense of comfort, of belonging and of value. Her keen sense of humor and her ready advice, wanted or not, filled the kitchen with laughter, with life, and especially with love. She treasured her friends, her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was so proud of them. Doreen will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with Frank and her Irish eyes are always smiling down on all of us.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. with Maureen Condon- Horon officiating. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez Celebrant. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Michael's Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 - 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5. Honoured to Serve Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777 Fax ~ (403) 381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca