Bradley "Brad" Paul Merkel

Bradley “Brad” Paul Merkel, age 61, of Chadwick, Illinois, died suddenly while working at his home on Monday, October 24, 2016. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chadwick, with Reverend Chris Schoon officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the service. Burial of his cremated remains will take place in Chadwick Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given in Brad’s memory to the Chadwick Fire Department, and the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Brad was born on April 15, 1955, the son of Harlan and Virginia (Eacker) Merkel in Savanna, Illinois. He attended Chadwick High School and graduated with Class of 1973. He married the love of his life, Jan Smith on February 18, 1984.
After graduation, Brad worked for Tautz Trenching and Excavating in Mt. Carroll and later for Woods Equipment in Oregon. He also worked for Kasbohm Custom Drilling and served his Plumber Apprenticeship with Miller Plumbing and Heating in Savanna. Brad and his partners formed Northwest Plumbing, Heating and Pumps in 2003. Brad was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chadwick. Brad loved the outdoors, especially gardening, fishing, camping and cutting wood. Brad enjoyed raising cattle to share with his family and spending time with his new dog, Rascal. Most all, Brad treasured spending time with his family and friends.
Brad will be dearly missed by his wife, Jan; one daughter, Leisha Merkel of Chadwick; one son, Paul Merkel of Chadwick; two sisters, Helen (Thomas) Pociecha of Chadwick and Gloria (Gary) Randecker of Mt. Carroll; stepmother, Norma Merkel of Chadwick; stepsister, Selene Seiler of Stillman Valley, Illinois; five half-brothers, Steven (Diana) Laux of Los Angeles, California, Curtis (Mary) Merkel of Mt. Carroll, David Merkel of Chadwick, Steven (Ida) Merkel of Chadwick, and Matthew Merkel of Chadwick; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Virginia; a son, Jeremy Merkel; one sister, Sharon Kay Merkel; and his stepfather, Roy Laux.