Jeffrey A. Merkel

           Jeffrey A. Merkel, 69, of Shillington, passed away at Sinking Spring Nursing & Rehabilitation Center where he was a guest since June 20th.

​Born in Reading, raised in Kutztown, Pa, he was a son of the late Roy D. Merkel & Ethel V. (Balthaser) Burkert. He was a 1973 graduate of Kutztown Area High School.

​Jeffrey worked in customer service and retired from Lowe’s Improvement Company. Jeff also worked as a server for many years and appreciated fine wine and foods. As a result he acquired a love of cooking and was referred to as “Chef Jeff” by his family and friends.  In his free time Jeff enjoyed woodworking and attending bible study.  

          Jeffrey was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fleetwood. He was a Reading Jaycee and served as president of the Jaycees in the late 80s and was a member of the U.S. Junior Chamber. 

​He is survived by his siblings – James A. Merkel (Clarissa), Tucson, AZ, Louise Schlegel, Kutztown, Pa, Jane A. Black (Steven), Lebanon, Pa, nieces & nephews – Isabella Merkel, Robert Mora, Leslie Schlegel, Krysta Frantz (Adam), Hallie Black, Daniel Black (Nicole) and great nieces and nephews – Tristan Beck, Nolan Frantz, Addilyn & Kennedy Black.

​A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 117 East Arch Street, Fleetwood. Please honor Jeff by making a contribution to the American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. 

The Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Shillington, Pa. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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