Nancy A. Merkel

Nancy Ann Merkel, age 94 of Eau Claire Wisconsin, passed away on Nov 1, 2024 at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens, Altoona, WI.

She was born August 30, 1930 to Oscar and Signe Anderson in Eau Claire. Nancy attended the Campus School at the Eau Claire Teachers College through 8th grade, Eau Claire Senior High School, and Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Music.  Later she furthered her education and obtained a Master’s degree in Education from the Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nancy began her career teaching kindergarten at Franklin Elementary school in Wausau. Nancy returned to Eau Claire to care for family, teaching in grades 1- 3 at Lincoln and Putnam Heights schools before retiring in 1992.  She thoroughly loved teaching, the children, the many wonderful supportive parents, and she “loved every day she went to work”.  

Nancy was joined in marriage to James J. Merkel on December 27, 1969.  They enjoyed a fulfilling life together traveling the world and spending time with their many friends.  Nancy & Jim volunteered together at the Community Table and the Downtown Farmers Market. Nancy volunteered in the Luther (Mayo) Hospital gift shop for over 22 years.

At an early age Nancy developed a great love of music which led to many piano recitals and group singing performances. She was an active member and officer of the international teachers’ sorority Alpha Delta Kappa. Nancy was a devoted Christian. She and Jim were long-time members of the First Baptist Church, later worshiping at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church. She loved people and treasured her network of friends.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Oscar (O.E.) and Signe Anderson, beloved husband Jim, sister Eleanor Platt, and sister and brother-in-law Doris & Richard Borgan. She is survived by three nephews and a niece.

Funeral services will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church, 123 W Hamilton Ave. Eau Claire WI on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.  There will be no visitation time at the church prior to the service on the day of the service.

Memorials may be directed to Bethesda or St. Croix Hospice. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701, is assisting with the arrangements.

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