Memorial Mass
Inurnment
Obituary of Jack E Merklein
Merklein, Jack E.- Died- January 26th, 2021, age 81. Beloved Husband of 51 years to his loving wife Kathleen. Amazing father to Lance (Terri), Shawna (Chris) and Mark (Giulia). Cherished Grandfather to Taylor, Jessica, Jack, Nicole, Samantha, Gina and Olivia. In addition, Jack is survived by his sisters Janet and Linda and his brother Alan. Predeceased by his sister Mary. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Born to the late James and Evelyn Merklein in Miami, Florida, Jack joined the Navy at 18 and was stationed with the famed Hurricane Hunter squadron. He fell in love with flying early in life and it remained a passion as a private pilot, taking to the skies anytime he could. A natural athlete and outdoorsman, Jack was an avid boater, tennis player and golfer who lived an active life.
After leaving the Navy, Jack left Miami and moved the family to Freeport in the Bahamas for a career opportunity in General Construction in 1964. A general contractor and builder, Jack moved back to Coral Springs, Florida in 1974 and set up shop building homes and raising his family.
He married the love of his life Kathleen (Pillari) Merklein in 1969 and was a dedicated father and husband.
Jack was a man of faith, demonstrating a quiet trust in God. He was an honest, humble man who loved his family and friends. He believed in service to others and would help all who needed him. You would recognize him as a man of strong faith by the way he trusted in others and his family, thankful for all who the Lord brought into his life.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 21689 Toledo Road, Boca Road, Florida on Monday February 8th, 2021 at 10 a.m.
Inurnment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida.
In lieu of Flowers, the Family asks that any donations in his memory be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.
For further information visit www.oysterbayfuneralhome.com
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