Lawrence Michael Merck

Lawrence Michael Merck (Mike) was born on March 5, 1928 in Humboldt, MN to Anthony and Margaret Merck. Mike had four brothers, Anthony, Leo, Robert, Edward and two sisters, Anna Marie and Sr. Cathi, OSB. They moved to Ada, MN in 1941 where he graduated from high school (class of '46). He then entered the US Army, serving in South Korea until 1948.  Upon return, he completed a Mortuary Science Degree in Chicago, IL. In 1950, he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Mike returned to attend UND-Fargo and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering.

He married the love of his life, Janice Bucholz in 1958. They raised three children, Michael (wife Kristi and children John, Joseph, Anna, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Abigail, Andrew, Maria, Clare and Paul), Jane Skaff (husband Jeff, children Anthony and Michael Weeks), and Michelle Torborg (husband Scott +, children Aaron, David, Elise and Rachel). He was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren whom he adored.

He retired in 1988 after 30 years with Unisys Corp in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mike was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Eagan before moving to Chanhassen in August, 2022. In retirement, Mike and Janice enjoyed many winter months in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as spending much family time in their summer months at their lake place in Richmond, Minnesota.

Mike completed his God-given earthly mission when he passed away peacefully on the day of his 94th birthday surrounded by his loving family and his wife of 63 years.   We are blessed and grateful for his living example of deep Catholic faith, strong work ethic and unconditional love!

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, March 11 at the Church of St. Hubert, 8201 Main St. Chanhassen, MN  55317.  Visitation at church from 9:30 AM to 11 AM.  Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Anna Marie's Alliance, PO Box 367, St. Cloud, MN 56302