It is with sadness we announce the passing of Daniel Merkel, 95, who was called home to heaven on July 31, 2024. Dan founded American Orthodontics with his wife, Betty, in 1968. He was an integral part of the business for the majority of his life. Dan leaves behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and entrepreneurship. He genuinely cared about people. He was known for his good nature and his ability to entertain with his stories and his jokes. Dan will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and work with him.
Dan was born on May 12, 1929, on Mother’s Day, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He was the youngest son of Arthur and Helen (Ligman) Merkel. Dan graduated from Marshfield High School in 1947 and from Marquette University in 1951 with a degree in Business Administration.
Dan is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Diane (Allie) Knoll of Stratford, WI, Carol (Carlos) Garces of New Berlin, WI, and Sandra (Randy) Benz of Brookfield, WI, and a daughter-in-law, Suzy Merkel of North Carolina. Nine grandchildren Sarah (John) Dahmen, Adam (Angela) Knoll, John (Jackie) Knoll, Dan (Katelan) Garces, Maria Garces (Peter Lafaivre), Casey (Mary) Garces, Anthony Benz (Tiffanie Mosey), Derek (Amy) Benz, Emily Benz (Dan Tournoux), and 17 great-grandchildren further survive him.
In addition to the loss of his much loved wife of 63 years, Betty, Dan’s first-born son, Douglas Merkel, predeceased him. Dan was also preceded in death by two sisters. Irene Merkel, and Lorraine (Bill) Catlin, and his brother Jerome (Dorothy) Merkel.
Dan’s family would like to express a special thank you to the entire staff at Tender Hearts Senior Care for their devoted care and all who have shown love and friendship to Dan throughout his lifetime.
There will be a time for visitation on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th St., Sheboygan, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2136 N. 21st St., Sheboygan, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness or tell someone a joke in Dan’s memory.
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