Elfrieda H. Merkley Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Elfrieda H. Merkley of Ireland, Indiana, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 97, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Martin Schroering and Frances Schroering (Seger); her spouse Hilbert J. Merkley; her siblings, Alice Schroering, Florence Schroering, Henry, Norbert, Marty, Jerome and Edward Schroering; and her half-brothers, Sylvester Humbert and Cornelius Schroering.

She is survived by: her children, Janet Fukatsu (Michihiro), Gerald L. Merkley (Santa Claus), Connie J. Merkley (Sylvester "Junie" Vogler) and Dennis R. Merkley; her grandchildren, Sarah Sugawara, Joshua Fukatsu, Jason Merkley, Lisa Brackett, Chad Merkley, Jeremy Merkley, Kyle Merkley, Kevin Merkley and Mariya Merkley; her siblings, Rosemary Rivers (Roger), Lucille Alcorn and Ray Schroering (Jan); and her sisters-in-law, Janet Schroering, Anita Schroering and Aggie Merkley. She is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or a favorite charity.