Bertha Patricia Merkle

MARQUETTE - Bertha P. Merkle passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2011 at 3:20 pm, in the loving care of her daughter Katherine Lambros at 691 Lost Creek Drive in Marquette where they both have lived for the last 14 years. Bertha was born on February 3, 1915 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Katherine Lakes. At age 5, Bertha moved to Marquette. Bertha attended NMU for two years after graduating with honors from Gravaret High School in 1937. She married Michael Merkle in 1935 and moved to Marshfield, WI. She and her husband returned to Marquette in 1943 when her husband went to work with her parents who owned and operated the Bon Ton Restaurant. In 1950 Bertha and her husband Michael opened the iconic diner and gathering place the "Coffee Cup" in Marquette. When Michael passed away in 1957, Bertha continued to operate the restaurant until 1974.

Bertha was an outstanding citizen of Marquette and even received a plaque honoring her achievements by Governor Milliken as "Who's Who in Michigan" in 1974. Bertha will be remembered as a successful business woman and restaurant owner and during her years at the Coffee Cup she touched the lives of many people, customers and employees both. Many Marquette natives have fond memories of their time at the restaurant where Bertha was ever-present, but Bertha also treated her employees as part of the family and will be remembered for her kindness to others. She will also be remembered as being "young at heart" and she had the gift of relating to people of all ages. Her grandchildren were the "light of her life" so much so that she would do anything for them. She even took her granddaughters to a Rolling Stones concert in Milwaukee, WI, in 1975. Bertha's favorite musical group was the Bee Gees, and she loved to dance, especially when Saturday Night Fever arrived.

Bertha enjoyed her retirement spending time with family and friends, playing bingo and cards, and was a member of the Greek Orthodox church where she directed the choir. She also enjoyed keeping current with the latest trends in fashion, food, and business. Bertha went back to work and was employed by Pranges (now operating as Younkers) at the Westwood Mall.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents George & Katherine Lakes, her husband Michael Merkle, her cousin Michael Booth (who was raised by her mother from birth), and her grandson Clark E. Lambros Jr. in 1988. She is survived by her three children: Irene (Bill) Jeas of Northboro, MA, Katherine M. Lambros of Marquette, and her son George (Kathy) Merkle of St. Charles, MO. She is also survived by her special cousin James Lafkas of Marquette, who was also raised as a brother to Bertha. Bertha has nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bertha had many friends, especially her caretaker and very special friend Roberta Wells of Arcadia Home Care in Marquette. The family would like to thank Arcadia Home Health Care, Upper Peninsula Home Health, and Vango's Restaurant of Marquette. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Friday, December 2, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption on Saturday, December 3, at 10:00 am with Rev. Tom Michalos officiating. Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Merkle, Jimmy Pedakis, Steve Lafkas, Elliot Kroll, Robert and Clarkie Caron. In lieu of flowers the family will accept gifts of your choice made in Bertha's memory or donations to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.comSent

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