Nancy Joanne Merkley's Obituary
Nancy Joanne (Funke) Merkley, age 89, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. Nancy was born on May 11, 1936, in Evansville, Indiana, to Rudolph and Lucille Funke.
She graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Evansville and dedicated more than 40 years of her life to nursing, specializing in psychiatric care. Her compassion, professionalism, and quiet strength left a lasting impact on countless patients and colleagues. On September 28, 1957, Nancy married the love of her life, James V. Merkley. They shared 65 beautiful years of marriage until Jim’s passing on December 26, 2022-three years to the day before Nancy’s passing. Together, they raised four children and built a life rich in love, adventure, and family.
Nancy is survived by her children: John Merkley; Sarah (Salle) Plunkett and her husband Jeff Plunkett; Linda Sullivan and her husband Mark Sullivan; and Christopher Merkley (Kate). She was a devoted grandmother to Hannah (George) Paletta, Chloe Merkley, Erin Sullivan, and Leo Sullivan, each of whom she adored deeply. She is also survived by her brother Michael Funke and sister-in-law Carol (Ronnie) Stolz.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Lucille Funke; her beloved husband James V. Merkley; her brother Steven Funke; and sisters-in-law Betty Merkley and Mary Ann Funke: brother-in-law Don Merkley.
Nancy was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Parish in Dupo, Illinois, where her faith guided her throughout her life. In retirement, Nancy and Jim shared a passion for travel and adventure. Together they walked on glaciers, climbed Half Dome, hiked the Grand Canyon (losing many toenails along the way), explored America’s national parks, and traveled through Europe and the Holy Land. Nancy meticulously documented these journeys in detailed travelogues, preserving memories that will be treasured forever. Her love for family was evident in everything she did, including the carefully crafted photo books she made for each of her grandchildren. Nancy will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family, adventurous spirit, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will be January 3, 2025, 9 AM-10 AM Sacred Heart Church, Dupo. Funeral Mass will follow at 10 AM. Following burial will be a celebration of life at The Principal Hotel, Columbia, IL from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. MSC 1082-414-2555, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130-9989. Ph (877)215-2727 Washington University.
Make a Donation to Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center
For more information, please access our website, https://www.leesmanfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?