Troy Alan Merkle, 56, of Decatur, IN, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital. He was born in Decatur, IN, on November 6, 1969, the son of the late Eugene F. Merkle and Patricia L. (Krueckeberg) Post. On June 3, 1995, he married Bridget J. Braun.
He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.
In 1988, Troy graduated from Crestview High School/Vantage Career Center. He worked at F. McConnell & Sons for 25 years and Fleetwood for 7 years.
Troy loved racing, especially NASCAR. He enjoyed music, being outdoors and visiting Wyoming.
Troy is survived by his loving wife, Bridget Merkle of Decatur, IN; his son, Travis A. Merkle of Decatur, IN; his daughter, Emily A. (Shawn Snowden) Merkle of Waynedale, IN; a sister, Michelle M. (Hider Stephenson) Hill of Monroeville, IN; a grandchild on the way.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve F. Merkle; his niece, Elizabeth Lichtensteiger.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jake Runyon presiding. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the Mass from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wren Community Chest or American Legion Adams Post #43.
About the Author
