August 12, 1926 ~ February 28, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Hildegarde Merke on Friday, February 28, 2020 at East Gate Lodge Personal Care Home in Beausejour, MB, at the age of 93.
Hildegarde is survived by her children Gerald (Elaine), Garry (Roberta), Ryan (Chris), Cindy (Frank Behnke), Marilyn (Gord Walls), Audrey Merke Dunlop (Cam Teague), and Kelly (Kallie); grandchildren Penelope Merke (Don Baker), Jennifer (Eddy) Volmering, Tanya Merke Epp, Jocelyn (Harris) Teskey, Aaron (Lauren Cochrane) Merke, Cayla (Adrien Braun-Yusishen), Alexx, Melanie (Todd), Tim Merke (Kelsey Streber), Nathan (Anne-Marie) Behnke, Matthew (Tanin) Behnke, Luke (Tanis) Behnke, Danielle Walls (Trevor Edinger), Scott Walls (Karla Freund), Candice (Jamie) Rodgers, Chantel Dunlop, Adam Teague, Jessica (Brendan Galli), Lily, Greg and Mitchell; great grandchildren Sydney, Grayson, Roland, Kyle, Jos, Keryn, Naomi, Davis, Parker, Sophie, Hannah, Molly, Emmeline, Brooke, Owen, Emma, Annika, Blake, Nataya, Blair, Zaiden, Bretton, Jordan, Matia, Alexia, Nico, Addison, Seth, Taylor, soon to be born baby Rodgers, and Maeve; God daughters Carey Rohrig, Barb Law and Darlene Mickey; brothers Albert Micke (Berret) and Norman Mickey (Marcia); sister in-law Ella Klepatz; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Hildegarde was predeceased by her husband Otto, daughter Muriel in infancy, son Victor, father Robert Micke, mother Julianna Micke, brother Alvin, sister Helen Baker and brother in-law Curtis Baker.
Hildegarde was born on August 12, 1926 in Pogorzele, Poland to Robert and Julianna. She immigrated to Canada along with her mother and arrived in Whitemouth, MB on December 31, 1930 to join her father where she spent her youth and was confirmed in Oldenburg Church.
She met her husband Otto Merke and married on September 23, 1944 and settled on a farm east of River Hills, MB. Besides operating a dairy and grain farm and raising a family, Hildegarde worked at the Whitemouth Hospital for 10 years as a dietician and then retired in 1989 to enjoy her family, friends and travelling with tour groups. Hildegarde became a resident of East Gate Lodge until her passing of life.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at East Gate Lodge for their care and compassion given to our mother over the years. Your care and thoughtfulness are gifts you gave every day to our mother which will always be treasured.
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in River Hills, MB. Interment will follow the service in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hildegarde’s memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Box 73, River Hills, MB R0E 1T0 or Parkinson Canada, 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2.
Offer Condolence for the family of Hildegarde Adelaide Merke
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Rhonda Cameron(formerly of Beausejour)
Marilyn, Gord, Ryan, Chris and the rest of the Merke family. I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I do remember meeting her many years ago and she was an amazing lady. Treasure the memories of a wonderful Lady.
Barb
A special lady left us but will always be remembered for her huge heart and love of family. Hugs to all my cousins.
Brenda Klymchuk
So many great memories remain with us …. keeping you all in my prayers…xoxo
Rose Gebhardt
Audrey and family
I am so sorry for your loss. Always remember the good times and memories and she will be with you always.
Zenda rueckert
Sincere condolences to all the family. Hilda was a remarkable lady, wonderful friend, truly loving and spoke from her heart. Free now to fly with the angels, may the Lord give you comfort. Alvin and Zenda Rueckert
Kim and Darcy Morton
So sorry for your loss all The Merke family. She was a wonderful woman, very kind and I loved her laugh. May your memories keep her close to your heart
Ed and Emma Elias
Thinking of you Gerald and Elaine, as you mourn the loss of your mother
Betty and Leonard Goritz
To the Merke family,
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Cherish all of your memories. It was nice to share xmas eve at East Gate for a few years. Your mom is now at peace.
Brian and Ila
Our sincere sympathy to the Merke family on the loss of your mother.
Thinking of you.
Arleen Pluchinski
To the Merke family we send our condolences. May your mom become your special angel and watch over
you all. Prayer and hugs to all.
Arleen & Harry Pluchinski
Ingrid Kerger
Dear Marilyn, Gord and family, sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. As children, no matter how or when we must say that final goodbye to our mothers, the person you turned to for comfort and support in your toughest moments is one of the hardest periods of anyone’s life. May all the loving memories you have of her, heal your hearts
My deepest sympathy to you all, Ingrid Kerger
Nadine Welz
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending prayers for comfort for all of you during this emotional time. It is never something one can totally prepare one self for. To know she is with your dad and other family members she has missed, and to know her life will not be such a struggle may give one a bit of comfort.
She will be the angel watching over all of you while life carries on.
J and F Volmering
Our sincere condolances to your family with the passing of your mother / grandmother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis & Rosalie
To our cousins, we send our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. She was a dear Aunt, and we will treasure our fond memories of her. Sorry we were not able to attend the service, but our thoughts and prayers are with you all.. Love Dennis & Rosalie
Cheryl
My memories of Auntie Hilda are of a warm and caring woman. Me and Debbie just found out of her passing. My heart goes out to all my cousins.
Garry and Rpberta
Thank you Cheryl for your kind words