Anna J. Merkle, 83, of Peoria passed away at 11:48 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. She was born on September 22, 1928 in Peoria to Fridolin “Fred” and Louise (Dunz) Johnigk. She married Charles F. “Bud” Merkle on July 18, 1953 in Peoria. He passed away June 19, 2004 in Peoria. Preceding her in death was one sister, Rose Delaney.

Surviving are two daughters, Theresa (Mike) Haughney and Marita Merkle both of Peoria; four sons: George (Jill) Merkle of Mapleton, Joseph Merkle of Peoria, Ed Merkle of North Aurora, and Paul Merkle of Peoria; four grandsons: Michael, Dan, Aaron and Joshua; and one sister, Clare Theresa (Glenn) Waibel of Peoria.

She was a secretary at Bower Buick in Peoria and later worked at the Chancery Office of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Catholic Women’s League, Seminary Aid Society, Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority and St. Mark’s Sodality.

A Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 17, 2012 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Msgr. Brian Brownsey officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark Church with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Further visitation will be one hour before services at church on Friday. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Peoria.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark Church or St. Mark School.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.