Leon Merkel
May 31, 1938 — November 21, 2016
Leon C. Merkel, 78, a resident of Bettendorf, died Monday, November 21, 2016 at his home.
Private family services will be held. Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice or the American Diabetes Association.
Born on May 31, 1938 in Klemme, Iowa, Leon was the son of Benhart Peter and Ethel R. (Fergason) Merkel. On April 2, 1961 in Clinton, Iowa, he married Janet A. Nissen.
Leon worked at Alcoa, retiring after 35 years of service. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren, fishing, reading, walking his Airedale terriers, playing cards with his buddies and watching football and basketball on television. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Janet; daughter, Kim Inez (Tracy) Van Zuiden of Stafford, Virginia; son, Troy Lee Merkel of Davenport; four grandsons, Kyle Van Zuiden, Tyler (Julie) Van Zuiden, Zach Merkel and Justin Merkel; one great-granddaughter, Lilyanne; sister, Doris Hellweg of Clinton; and a sister-in-law, Pat Merkel of LeClaire.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Merkel.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Beacon of Hope Hospice and Dr. Bruyntjens for the excellent care given to Leon.