Joanne Merkel

JoAnne (Fogel) Merkel , 82, formerly of Sam Brooke Circle, Lehighton, PA, died peacefully Friday morning, February 2, 2024, at Wyomissing Health and Rehabilitation Center, Reading.  She was the wife of the late Robert W. Merkel who passed in 2021.  Born in Palmerton, Lower Towamensing Twp., she was a daughter of the late Claude C. and Alice V. (Haydt) Fogel.

JoAnne was employed as a custodian for the late Dr. George Prutzman, Palmerton.  She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bowmanstown.  A 1959 graduate of the Palmerton High School, she enjoyed card playing, polka dancing, yearly trips to Florida, and camping at Chubby's Campground, Beltzville.

Survivors: Daughters, Donna Lee wife of David Keller of Birdsboro, and Sharon wife of Blaise Azalone of La Mesa, CA. Sons, Robert and wife Sheryl Merkel of Forest Inn, Dennis and wife Penny Merkel of Trachsville, and Matthew Merkel of Palmerton.  5 grandchildren.  1 great-granddaughter.  Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was predeceased by sisters, Shirley Smith, Delores Semmel, and Lois Gildner, and a brother, Ronald Fogel.

Services: Graveside Services: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery, Church Drive, Trachsville.  Arrangements, Campton Funeral Home, Palmerton.  Online Condolences: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com .

Contributions: Parkinson's Disease Support Group, c/o LVHN, PO Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105.