Anton Merkl, 87, of Jefferson City, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Tri-County Care Center in Vandalia.
Anton was born on Sept. 26, 1933 in Yugoslavia, the son of Valentine and Eva Merkl. On Sept. 25, 1954, in Mendota, Ill. he married Shirley Elaine Mealey. She survives.
Mr. Merkl owned and operated Merkl Construction in Lake of the Ozarks for many years. He was a very talented carpenter and could build anything out of wood. Along with his wife, Shirley, they also owned a travel agency at the lake for 10 years. They enjoyed travelling and made over 20 trips to Europe to visit many family and friends. He had been a member of Our Lady of the Lake Church.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Shirley Merkl; two daughters, Luxie (Jay) Hurst of Grantsville, Utah, and Linda (Wayde) Barnes of Mexico; five grandchildren, Tony (Jama) Bulfer of Magna, Utah, Tim (Tia) Bulfer of Sugarhouse, Utah, Tom (Heidi) Bulfer of Grantsville, Utah, Trish Barnes of Mexico and Jessica Barnes of Mexico; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Francine (George) Haeseli of Aurora, Ill., and Magdalena (Brian) Hill of Arizona; and one brother, Joe Merkl of Arizona.
Anton was preceded in death by one grandson, Terry Bulfer, who passed away on July 1, 1981.
There will be no services.
The family is being served by Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
