Merkel, Jerome P. "Jerry" Jerome Patrick "Jerry" Merkel, 76, of Elk River, passed away peacefully with family surrounding him, Monday, July 6, 2015. Jerry was born January 26, 1939, in St. Paul, MN to the late Lillian Brodine and Jerome L. Merkel. After marrying Marie "Penny", Jerry worked in the Minneapolis metro area where he owned his own fire protection business and spent his life dedicated to his faith and rearing his five children. Along with his wife Penny of 54 years, he is survived by his five children, Lil (Eric) Jungels, Rhonna (Robert) Hed, Jerome Patrick Jr. (Lindsay) Merkel, Sean (Kristin) Merkel, Tanya (Jonathan) Rice; 16 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Sandi Land. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated Friday July 10th, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Andrew (566 4th Street NW, Elk River) with the Fr. Tony Marfori as celebrant. Friends and family may arrive at 9:30 am for memorial gathering; 10:30 am rosary; and 11:00 am Funeral Mass. Fellowship with lunch will follow immediately after the mass. Interment will be private for immediate family only, at St. Andrew Cemetery at a later time. Thank you to all who have shown love and friendship to Jerry throughout his life. Guestbook: daresfuneralservice.com In lieu of flowers, memoriams are appreciated to Feed My Starving Children, 401 93rd Avenue NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.