Joanne "Nana" Merkle

Beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Kate Perrin, dearest wife of the late William (loving daughter-in-law of the late William and Hazel Schaefer Merkle), loving mother of Cathy (Dr Joseph) Forand, and adoring Nana of Katy. Dearest cousin to “my Bobby” (Linda) Farnam, and friend to so many, especially her constant phone companions, Shirley Ciegel and Georgia Junghans.

Our sincerest gratitude and love to the many friends and extended family who treated our Nana as their own. She loved you all, and dearly appreciated your kindness towards her, as did we. Our cup runneth over indeed. To the staff of Heartland Hospice - Jennifer, Shannon, Jackie, and others, we thank you for the wonderful care and love you showed her.

Born March 6, 1933, Nana was only 5 when her daddy passed away. Still deep in the Great Depression, her mother, Kate, supported them by owning a small restaurant near the Bevo Mill. Grandma Kate’s strong Christian faith and German work ethic ensured Nana wanted for nothing. Some of Nana’s favorite memories and stories were those growing up in the restaurant and the businesses along Gravois. She married her high school sweetheart in 1952 and enjoyed 43 years of marriage before his sudden passing in 1995. We take great comfort knowing all are together again, enjoying good German food, stress-free Cardinals baseball, and a never-ending supply of Cheetos and Diet Pepsi.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lemay Child and Family Center, 9829 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63125, St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63126 or Gateway 4 Paws Rescue, PO Box 414, Maryville, IL 62062.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, St. Louis, MO 63126 burial following at St. Lucas Cemetery.