Jeffrey A. Merkes
February 05, 1968 - September 20, 2019
Obituary
BROOKLYN - After a long and courageous battle with heart disease, Jeffrey A. "Jeff" Merkes went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. He was born on Feb. 5, 1968, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Jerome and Betty (Look) Merkes. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1986. Jeff and Lori (Klapper) were united in marriage on May 5, 2001.
Jeff owned and operated Progress Auto Repair in Madison. He took pride in his work and was very personable; as a result, many customers became his friends. He was a board member at Calvary Gospel Church. He enjoyed helping out with grilling at the annual church picnics, led a men's group that he started, and was part of the security team on Sunday. He also enjoyed sharing his faith as a mentor as well as being a godly role model and father to his three boys.
The outdoors, archery, ATVing and off-roading were some of Jeff’s passions. His sons loved wrestling with their dad and going to monster truck and car shows together. Jeff loved tinkering under the hood of any car.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Lori; sons, Cody (Alma) Merkes, Seth Merkes and Luke Merkes; grandchild, Duke Merkes; mother, Betty; siblings, Sheryl (Michael) Motiff and David (Beth) Merkes; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome.
A funeral service will be held at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Ave., Madison, at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, with the Rev. Roy Grant presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Private family burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Brooklyn.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will soon be established for Jeff's wife and sons at Associated Bank, 4402 East Towne Blvd., Madison, WI 53704 (608-259-4250). The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at UW Hospital for all of their hard work and care given to Jeff over the years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Sep 25, 2019 @ 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Calvary Gospel Church (Madison) • 5301 Commerical Avenue, Madison, WI
Service
Wed Sep 25, 2019 @ 6:00 PM CDT
Calvary Gospel Church (Madison) • 5301 Commerical Avenue, Madison, WI
Photos
No photos of Jeffrey have been shared yet.
Memories
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Bilinda Serra
Other •
Jeff was a great guy, I called him "The world's best mechanic", he would always say "I'm not sure about that, but I do try". He was never too busy to talk, and always had time to check out whatever we thought was wrong with our cars. He has a wonderful family and he will be missed. Love to Lori, praying for you and the boys.
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Vern Bronson Sr.
Other •
Jeff is a hard man to describe. He had so many great qualities and attributes and the words "give up" just didn't fit into his vocabulary. His family and faith were always at the top of his list. I worked with Jeff for quite a few years and found him to be one of a kind. Truly a dear friend. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lori and family. You are very remarkable.
SL
scott lines
Other •
Jeff was an amazing man, He was just wonderful. He go to know my family from both his auto shops and from the bank. Jeff was the most honest mechanic I ever knew. He was a wonderful person always helped me out when needed and also taught me a few things when we spoke about family and the roads ups and down. Jeff I really will miss you. Got took a winner way to soon.
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Dan and Laura Anderson
Other •
We were saddened to hear about Jeff's passing. He was a great guy and worked on our cars many times. Our hearts hurt for Lori and the boys.... if you need anything, please let us know. You are in our prayers.
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Kerry
Other •
Mark and I use to shoot Archery 3D tournaments with Jeff. We always look forward to the weekends and had a great time. Cody, thank you for always having that fight in you like your dad had about life! I see a lot of your dad in you. Especially now that you are a father, I know you will carry on your love for God, also the values Jeff taught you. I also remember one of the first cars I bought, right out of High School didn’t have a “floor board”! (Right in the starting of winter)! Jeff made sure I was safe, and fixed that for me. Cody, you’re the strongest flower that ever grew, remember that when the weather changes. ❤️, Kerry and Mark Copus
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joe thorpe
Other •
It always made my visit to CGC better when I was able to see Jeff and give him a hug. He was always willing to carry on a conversation about anything. My memories are that he wanted to people to know that Jesus loved them. He fixed our cars over the years because we knew that we could trust him. Jeff and I golfed at Yahara Golf course right before he was going to propose to Lori. We had great conversation about how he would go about asking her and marriage itself. He would ask how my golf game was when we. saw each other. Then he would say that he still hadn't gone out after we went. I will miss seeing your smile on this earth but look forward to seeing you in Heaven! Lori we have been praying for you and your family that the Peace of God will cover all of you going forward.