Ronald S. “Ronnie” Merkel Sr., 85, of Mount Aetna, PA, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. He was the husband of Carol (Miller) Merkel, to whom he would have been married 65 years on Nov. 26, 2025.
Born in Sheridan, PA, on Aug. 19, 1939, Ronnie was the son of the late George H. and Mary I. (Moyer) Merkel. Ronnie was a member of Millcreek Lutheran Church, Newmanstown; president of Millcreek Rod and Gun Club; lifetime member of the NRA; and life member of Mount Aetna Fire Company and Stouchsburg Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed visiting his hunting cabin in Huntingdon, working on antique cars, and cooking. Ronnie was employed as an electrician at North American Refractories, Womelsdorf, for 40 years, retiring in 2000. He also owned Ronnie and Carol’s 501 Bar and Grill in Mount Aetna.
In addition to his wife, Ronnie is survived by his daughters, Cheryl, wife of William Batdorf, of Myerstown, and Cynthia, wife of Rick Repman, of Dover; son, Ronald Jr., husband of Brenda Merkel, of Lebanon; grandchildren, Zachary, Amanda, Kaila, Brett, Megan, Chelsea, and Zane; great-grandchildren, Parker, Ryan, Luke, Brayden, Avery, and Maggie May; sisters, Peggy Miller, of Newmanstown, and Penny, wife of Rick Behney, of South Carolina; and brother, Paul Merkel, of Newmanstown.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Dries; and brother, George H. Merkel Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Millcreek Lutheran Church, 221 N. Sheridan Road, Newmanstown, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Millcreek Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 399, Newmanstown, PA 17073.
