Date of Birth: February 14, 1951
Date of Death: January 5, 2018
David Lewis Merkel of Whitewood, Sask., passed away suddenly on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at the age of 66 years.
David was born to Lewis and Violet (Halverson) Merkel on Feb. 14, 1951, in Broadview, Sask. He grew up on a farm north of Broadview and attended Northwood School, finishing his schooling in Broadview.
At the age of 18, David went to work in Kitimat, B.C. On his return, he took a job in Whitewood working at carpentry. He then met the love of his life, Dianne Benna, and they were married Aug. 18, 1973. David worked at the mine in Esterhazy until 1974,then continued to work as a carpenter until 1981 when he took a job working for the Town of Whitewood; a few years later, David became town foreman. He enjoyed his 31 years of service.
David and Dianne built their home in Whitewood where they raised their two boys, Trent and Michael. Throughout life, David enjoyed fishing, hunting, time at the cabin, hockey, building things, and playing cards and other games. When health problems arose, he retired from the town in 2012.
The last five years, he enjoyed his children, grandchildren, his beloved wife and his precious dogs, Hunny and Patches.
David was predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Violet (Halverson) Merkel; his father-in-law, Andrew Benna; his sister, Gloria (2014); his brother-in-law, Randy; and his dog, Hunny (2017).
He will be missed, forever remembered and loved by his loving wife, Dianne; his sons, Trent (Angelina) and Michael (Catherine); and his grandchildren, Christina, Tyler, Ivan and Lia. These children were his pride and joy.
David is also survived by his mother-in-law, Melina Benna; his brother, Jimmy (Joanne); sisters-in-law, Debbie (John) Schenstead, Darlene Browatzke and Delilah (Garnet) Schmitz; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. David’s dog, Patches, will miss him dearly; he will be loved and missed by all who knew him.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Whitewood, with the Rev. Fr. Rene Mangahas celebrating. Prior to the mass, a time of tribute to David’s life and memory, through music and personal reflections, was held.
Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations in David’s memory may be made to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood.
