William G. Merkle April 14, 1933 - January 29, 2023

William “Bill” G. Merkle, 89, a resident of Meadowood Retirement Community, Lansdale and formerly of Allentown, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023, in Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia. Bill was a loving man who lived for his family, especially his wife Dorothy M. (Ackerman) Merkle, the love of his life, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

A beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be dearly missed by all, including daughter Judi Schmitz (Steve) of Conshohocken; son Tom Merkle (Mike Miller) of Chicago, IL; Grandchildren Bill Schmitz (Dana) of Belgium and Hannah Schmitz (Adam Murtaugh) of Baltimore, MD; Great-grandson Kai Schmitz, who brought his GGPop so much joy over the past two years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Robert G. Merkle, Sr. and Marie A. (Flexer) Merkle. Bill was a graduate of William Allen H.S., class of 1951. Bill along with his late brother Robert Merkle, Jr. were the fourth-generation owners of the former Merkle & Co., a grocery store and wholesale distributor in Allentown, in business for 120 years.  Bill later spent 22 years as a driver for senior citizens and people with disabilities, brightening the days of his passengers. He was previously a member of Salem UCC, Allentown and a former member of Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, Salisbury. Bill was also a member of TPA.

Bill’s loved ones will most remember his kindness, calm demeanor, work ethic, and dry sense of humor.

In addition to spending time with his family, especially on vacation in Ocean City, NJ and Lewes, DE, Bill loved animals and birds, watching the stock market, and traveling with “the gang”, four couples who have been life-long friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday at 11am, calling hours at 10am, in the Schultz Community Center at Meadowood Senior Living, 3205 Skippack Pike, Lansdale 19446. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to your preferred local food bank or organization serving others.