Catherine “Cathy” Merkle

Catherine “Cathy” Merkle (nee Holland), 56, of Highland, IL, died Thursday, July 21, 2011, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Cathy was born May 10, 1955 to Robert and Leta (nee Foster) Holland in Hardin, IL.  She married Dennis Merkle in Jerseyville, IL.

Cathy worked at SIUE for the past 24 years in the accounting office.  She loved being a wife, mother and grandmother.  She liked to cook and bake.  She bowled for many years on 2 different teams.  She followed the local sports teams.  She liked to landscape and liked her flowers.  She was a huge Vince Gill fan.

She is survived by her parents, Robert and Leta Holland, Jerseyville, IL; her husband, Dennis Merkle, Highland, IL; 4 children, Cami (Tim) Rakers, Brett, Brandon and Bradley Merkle, all of Highland, IL; 4 grandchildren, Trent, Carly and Tyson Rakers, Gavin Merkle; 1 brother, Tom (Hallie) Holland; Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by 1 brother, Bob Holland.

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland

Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2011 at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland

Clergy: Rev. Chris Hill, Pastor, Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland

Interment: Keystone Cemetery, St. Jacob, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland