IRIS ANNA MERKE

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IRIS ANNA MERKE (nee Johnson) On Thursday, May 18, 2006, our dear Mom left us and entered into the arms of God. Iris was born in Winnipeg on May 8, 1931. She was raised in St. Vital, attending Windsor and Norberry School. She worked at Eaton's store before and after her marriage to Charlie in 1948. They then made their home in River Hills where she raised her five children. In 1970, she owned and operated the Seven Sisters Novelty and Gifts Store for 11 years. When the store was sold, Mom worked at the Pinawa Motor Inn for two years and then went on to work for Verses Services at AECL, Pinawa for 11 years. Mom retired in 1994 at age 63 in the month of September. Dad passed away in November of that year. Good neighbours and friends made life a joy. Mom's favourite advice was Watch out for deer! She felt content and at peace when spending time at Grand Beach which held a special place in her heart. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Ed and Sybil Johnson, her husband Charles, daughter Marlene Hill and sister Karen Johnson. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Nadine (Don) Welz, Dan (Betty Ann) Merke, Steven (Gerie) Merke, Angie (Bob) Garton and son-in-law Jack Hill, grandchildren, Donna Welz, Bridget (John) Broek, David, Derek and Mitchell Garton, great-grandchildren, Dallas and Carly Broek. Her loving brother David Johnson and his sons, Matthew and Robert and their families, sister-in-law Ella Klepatz and brother-in-law Bob Johnson, and many nieces, nephews and relatives, dear friends and companion Tippy. Funeral service will be held on Saturday (today), May 20 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, River Hills, MB with Pastor George Johnson officiating. Friends may view prior to the service. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Pallbearers will be godson Gerry Merke, nephews, Matthew and Rob Johnson, Gerald and Ryan Merke, and nieces Meagan, Debbie and Sharlene McLean. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing, may make a donation in Iris' memory to the Pinawa Hospital or St. Paul Lutheran Church, River Hills Memorial Fund. Mom said, My life was full, Thank-you God. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2006