Arnold (Arnie) H. Merkel, Kimberly, age 77, died at his home Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born in Marshfield on August 6, 1943, to the late Andrew and Katherine (Cooke) Merkel. He married Barbara DeLeeuw at Holy Name Parish on October 2, 1965.

Arnold worked for Pittsburgh Paints for 35 years and became a Nation-Leading Salesman before leaving the company in 1992. Arnie was very proud of his post-retirement work at Running Incorporated, where he worked as a driver for the elderly and those with special needs. Arnie also served as Leader for Boy Scout Troop 44 in Kimberly for 10 years. Arnie enjoyed playing cards and socializing with his many friends and had a great passion for fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his grand-dog Maggie.

Arnold is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara; children: John (Deborah) Merkel, Freedom; Scott Merkel, Kimberly; Jim (Nickie) Merkel, Kimberly; and Susan Merkel-LaRock, Darboy; and grandchildren: Samantha, Christian, Aaron, Sawyer, Hudson, Hunter, and Peyton. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Jim (Julie) DeLeeuw; Jerry (Lee) DeLeeuw; life-long friends Dick and Marie Thull; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Arnold is preceded in death by his infant sister, Carol; and his mother and father-in-law, John and Violet DeLeeuw.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ascension St. Elizabeth's Hospital for all their special care over the years, especially Dr. Obrien, Dr. Leonard, and Dr. Rigstad.

Visitation will be held at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH – KIMBERLY CHURCH (600 E. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly) on Thursday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating. To sign the guestbook, please visit oconnellfh.com. Due to the Covid pandemic, we ask anyone attending to please wear a mask and observe social distancing protocols. For those not wishing to attend, the family will plan a celebration of life later in the year.