Herbert Louis Merkel was born on October 28, 1922, to Jacob C. and Mathilda (Hintz) Merkel in Lowry, SD. He attended country school in Lowry and McIntosh, SD; finishing high school in Rush City, MN. He worked as a South Dakota Highway surveyor in the McIntosh area.

In 1948, he married LaVina Winters and to this union was born a son, Kurt Dwight Merkel. He moved to Seattle, WA, working a short time for Boeing Company before finding his niche in the service station business; first as an employee and later as an owner. During a service station robbery in 1965, Herb was shot. Following a 2-month recovery (and at the urging of his new love, Irene), he moved to Redmond, WA, and opened a service station of his own; most remembered for the ARCO Station at the corner of 32nd & 70th in Redmond/Kirkland, WA. On February 14, 1968, he married Irene R. Brady in Carson City, NV.

Herb and Irene moved to Rapid City, SD, living there from 1978-83. The couple owned Hallmark Card Stores in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. They then moved to Bismarck, ND, in 1987 and settled in Piedmont, SD in 1993. During their marriage, Herb and Irene traveled to Spain, Alaska and Hawaii. Herb loved to hunt and fish; and in later years was known for his huge vegetable garden which he happily shared with many in the Piedmont area. A proud American, he installed a flag pole and eagle statues, flying the US, South Dakota, Alaska and Washington flags.

Herbert "Herb" L. Merkel, 94, passed away peacefully at home on December 26, 2016, with his "Sweetie" (wife of 49 years), Irene at his side.

Herb is survived by his wife of 49 years, Irene of Piedmont; son, Kurt D. Merkel, St. Louis, MO; grandsons, Thomas, Tyler and Tim Merkel; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, John, Brad and Bruce of Washington and Tim of Alaska; and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Mathilda; brothers, George, Albert and Roy; and sister, Rosie.

The family will host a Remembrance Gathering on Saturday, December 31, 2016, from 3:00-5:00pm at the Piedmont American Legion (101 Pine Street). At the family's request, there will be no burial service. Condolence cards can be sent to: 15174 Grandview Dr., Piedmont, SD 57769.