Memorial services for Anna Viola (Jundt) Merkel, 83, of Mobridge, SD, formerly of McLaughlin, SD, will be 11:00 a.m. MT, Friday, February 6, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLaughlin. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. MT, Thursday, February 5, 2015, at the church. Anna Merkel passed away on January 28, 2015 at the Golden Living Care Center of Mobridge. Services are under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

She was born on May 25th, 1931 in McLaughlin South Dakota, to Fredrick and Lydia (Jacober) Jundt. She was the youngest of ten children. She attended McLaughlin Public School and was a member (friend) of the "hill gang" in her youth. She married Bernie Merkel on July 25th, 1947. They farmed with his dad near Kenel early in their marriage, moved to Mandan where Bernie worked for a creamery; then moved back to McLaughlin where they started Merkel Trucking Company. Several years later they moved to the family farm near Kenel, SD.

As a young girl, she worked at her fathers' business, Jundt's Service Station. She pumped gas, tended the till, checked oil and did other odd jobs at the station. She loved working with her dad and spending time with him. As a young mother, she worked at the McLaughlin Hospital, Dobler's Cafe, and the bowling alley. Shortly after moving to the farm, on June 19th, 1964, Annie was injured in a car accident that left her a paraplegic. However, her wheelchair did not slow her down. She continued with housekeeping, child rearing, and her many interests and activities. She was well known among family and neighbors for her bread making that was prepared every week.

Throughout her life, she was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. She participated in the choir, the church's Ladies Aide, the Seniors Group, and served in the American Legion Auxiliary as an officer. For several years she was the local news reporter for the McLaughlin Messenger and Mobridge Tribune. She was active in her church quilting group, cutting squares and sewing quilt tops for donations around the world. Annie was noted for her needle work. She won a State Fair Award for one of her hand embroidered, hand sewn quilts. Annie had the ability to take a leaf off a plant and get it to grow quickly into something beautiful (especially geraniums and African violets).

She lived independently in an apartment in McLaughlin where she assisted several neighbors with haircuts, permanents, hanging laundry; helping her neighbors any way she could, always ready for a visit with a fresh pot of coffee. She loved working with her sister, Lydia Moser, preparing goodies for Lydia's Wednesday baking business. Annie also aided her sister, Hilda Johnson, while weeding Hilda's colorful flower beds.

Annie loved to travel; she boldly flew alone to cruise Alaska and visited her children at their homes scattered across the country. When she moved into Golden Living Center in 2008, she enjoyed a variety of activities including Bingo, Tai Chi, needle work and daily poster and menu decoration.

She loved the Lord and trusted in Him. She had a true servant's heart. She had a strong "never give up" attitude, all with a smile on her face. She persevered through many obstacles and challenges and did it with grace and dignity. Annie enjoyed a life well lived. She was an inspiration to many and will be deeply missed.

Annie has 10 children: Karyl Fischer (Rob) of Lewisville TX, Corenne Lennon (Michael) of Sparks NV, Keith Merkel (Davina) of Manor TX, Richard Merkel of Byers CO, Dennis Merkel (Nola) of Byers CO, Kristie Kraft (Martin) of Elko NV, N. Sue Moser (Ken) of Dallas TX, Deb Stotz (Craig) of McLaughlin SD, Paula Vashon of Byers CO, and Beverly Wiest (Dean) of Rapid City SD.

She is survived by her brother, Emil Jundt; her 10 children and their spouses, 29 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, several sisters in law and brothers in law, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, and eight siblings: Julius Jundt (infant), Magdalene (Maggie) Friedel, Fredrick Jundt Jr., Matilda (Tillie) Swanson, Lydia Moser, Hilda Johnson, Julius Jundt, Edward Jundt (child) and great-grandson, Morgan Baumeister.

Urnbearers: Craig and Deb Stotz, Paula Vashon, Viola Merkel, Jonna Kincheloe, Pearl Johnson, Bonnie Rose, Darlys Geigle, Leola Dockter, Gary Swanson, Jeanette Jundt, Janice Tipton, Nadine Alexander, Lynn Mendenhall, and Lance Baskett, Darlene Naasz, Fern Goetz, Yo Yo and Darlene Paquet.