Helen Merkel

Helen Merkel, 85, of Brenham, died Jan. 11, 2005, in Trinity Medical Center in Brenham. Mrs. Merkel was born April 19, 1919, in Gay Hill, Texas, to Rudolph and Wilhelmenia Dietrich Klatt. She was later adopted by Leo and Ida Landgraf Arndt. Mrs. Merkel was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter s Lutheran Church in Gay Hill. She was educated in Gay Hill School. On July 21, 1935, she was married to Karl Merkel in St. Peter s Lutheran Church in Gay Hill. Mrs. Merkel was a member of Grace Lutheran Ladies Afternoon Circle, Gay Hill Sons of Hermann Lodge #193 and Home Extension. Mrs. Merkel enjoyed her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, farming, gardening, crocheting and putting together puzzles. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Diane Merkel of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law, Erna and Elfred Pfeffer and Judy and Edward Studhalter, all of Brenham; grandchildren, Rusty and Lori Pfeffer, Bryan, James and Karen Studhalter, all of Brenham, and Sharon Cowart of Brenham; great-grandchildren, Larissa and Brett Studhalter of Brenham, Holly and Micheal Cowart of Brenham, and Jessica and Jordyn Pfeffer of Bryan; sister, Willie Mae Yauk of Temple; and special friends, Karen and Lacey Roeske of Burton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Karl Merkel; daughter, Barbara Helen Merkel; and parents, Rudolph and Wilhelmenia Klatt and Leo and Ida Arndt. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 in Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham with Pastor Matthew Jacobs officiating. Burial will be in Friedens Cemetery on Hwy. 36, north of Brenham. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pallbearers will be Travis Boeker, John Stayton, Rusty Pfeffer, James Studhalter, Brett Studhalter and Micheal Cowart. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Gregg Workman, the nursing staff at Kruse Village and Joey Sinclair. Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran School Grant Scholarship Fund. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.