Rachel Merklin

Friday, May 13, 2005

(Sept. 22, 1923 - May 9, 2005)

BENKELMAN -- Rachel (Sambor) Merklin, 81, died Monday (May 9, 2005), at Bryan LGH-East Hospital in Lincoln.

She was born Sept. 22, 1923, on her grandparents' farm outside of Max, N.D. She was raised in Chicago, Ill.

On Jan. 13, 1946, she married Donovan A. Merklin. He served in the U.S. Navy and they traveled all over the world with their family. They went from to Guam to Japan, Hawaii to Washington, D.C., and from Coronado, Calif., to Corpus Christi, Texas. When her husband retired, they moved to his hometown of Benkelman, where they operated a small horse and cattle ranch.

She was a past member of Eight and Forty Club, Legion Auxiliary, Rebecca's, Eastern Star of Yokahama, Japan, Trinity Baptist Church, Ballroom Dancers, and was an organist for Chapel at the Hester Home in Benkelman for more than 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lena Sambor; husband, Donovan Merklin; sister Lillian Strom and her husband, Carl; two sisters-in-law, Audrey White and Phyllis Gray; one brother-in-law, Stanley Merklin; and one daughter-in-law, Linda Merklin.

Survivors include her daughter, Donna Rea Merklin and fiance, Byron Schmidt of Grand Island; one son, Wayne Merklin of Cordova, Alaska; five grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were today at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Johnny Walker officiating. Internment followed services at the Benkelman cemetery. There was no visitation.

Card, letter, and memorials will reach the family at 515 S. Locust St., Grand Island, Neb., 68801.

Forch Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.