Charles Merkwan, 85, of Wagner

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Dante. Burial is in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services are 7 PM, Wednesday at the church in Dante. Visitation is Wednesday from 1 to 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner.

Charles "Charlie" A. Merkwan was born June 21, 1927 at Avon, SD, the son of Frank and Frances (Zacharias) Merkwan. He passed away Monday, November 26, 2012 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Charles attended the Rouse Township Country School until the eighth grade. He then started farming with his dad south of Wagner.

Charlie married Valeria M. Kelly (whom he called his sweetie) at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Dante on June 12, 1950. Five children were blessed to their union.

Charlie will be remembered for his love of farming (with his "756" International tractor), listening to Polka music, fishing, looking for someone to speak the Czech language with, his word search puzzles and he would never pass up a cup of coffee and a cookie.
Charlie kept up a daily journal of events for over 40 years. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends and he will always be remembered for his sense of humor.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Valeria, of Wagner; children: Dennis and Mary Merkwan and their daughter Megan, of Wagner; Douglas and Janette Merkwan of Ft. Worth, TX; Debra Merkwan and Bob Cuka of Wagner; Denise and Mitch Hertz and their daughter Emma and son Alex, of Sioux Falls; and Donna and Shawn Smejkal and their sons, Cameron, Carter and Dashel and daughter, Sheridan, of Wagner.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents.