Harold G. Merkler, 84, of Fort Wayne, died Monday October 16, 2023. He was born in Fort Wayne on March 14, 1939, the son of the late Frank T. and Gazel (Wabel) Merkler. Harold, or "Howie" as he was known by family and friends, graduated from Northside High School with the Class of '58, went on to earn his degree from Purdue University and served his country proudly in the US Navy. Harold was an engineer and operated Merkler Machine Works until his retirement in 1998. Harold enjoyed woodworking, travelling, sailing their boat in Florida, and tending to his Hobby Farm.

He is survived by Claudia Merkler, his wife of 34 years; children, Laura Merkler Sherwood of Daytona Beach Shores FL, Elizabeth Pursell in Kansas, Renee Klink of Angola, Rhonda Cox of Altamonte Springs FL, Raelynn Cox of Angola, Robert Cox of Fremont, Richard (Megan) Cox of Melbourne FL and Scott (Debbie Clark-Cox) Cox of Fort Wayne; sisters-in-law, Janice Lamott of Crooked Lake and Padre Island TX, Sharon Alter of North Ft. Myers FL; 18 grandchildren (and one on the way) and 7 great-grandchildren (an one on the way). Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Charlotte Warda and his brothers, Jim Merkler and Jack Merkler.

Funeral Services 1:00pm Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. where the family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00pm. Interment in Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The family's preferred memorial is the American Cancer Society, online at donate.cancer.org or by mail to 111 E Ludwig Rd Suite 105, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.