Lee P. Merkle

Lee P. Merkle, age 92, of Toledo, passed away on the 16th of January, 2021. Born in Toledo on November 23, 1928, Lee was the eldest of two children born to Leroy and Cecile Merkle. Lee was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School class of 1946. After attending 2 years at Bowling Green State University, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy. Upon his Honorable discharge in 1952, Lee started his professional career in photography. He will be most remembered and recognized for his 40-year career as a Toledo Blade photographer. Lee had a very gregarious personality and enjoyed life to its fullest. Although he retired from The Blade in 1995, he could always be found with a camera around his neck documenting most any forum or sporting event he attended. Much of his free time was often spent introducing others to the lure of sailing or hitting the ski slopes with fellow Toledo Ski Club Members. Lee was a long-time member of North Cape Yacht Club. Summers were spent racing in many regattas or taking pleasure cruises with friends and family on Lake Erie. For the past 25 years, Lee enjoyed spending the winter months in Fort Myers. He also enjoyed singing with the Swiss Singers, swimming and dancing and was a proud Korean War Navy Veteran. Sailing was his first love. Lee will be remembered by many at the helm of his boat,Infinity, with a beer in his hand and a beautiful smile on his face.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents and wife Beverly Jane (Harris). Surviving are his sister, Elaine Majer of Virginia Beach, and his ex-wife and mother of his 6 children, Carole Merkle, of Toledo. Lee was very proud of his children and their spouses, Cheryl (David) Koenig of Sylvania, Christopher (Kim) Merkle of Lorain, Matthew (Angelica) Merkle of Memphis, Jay Merkle of Toledo, Lisa (Brad) Hayes of Powell, and Kevin (Shannon) Merkle of Holland; 12 grandchildren and 6 nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at noon at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Ln., Toledo where a livestream will be available on the Christ the King website. Visitation will take place in the Church Narthex from 10:00 a.m. until Mass begins at noon, with masks required.
A celebration of Lee’s life will be arranged at a later date. Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo (419) 475-5055, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Those wishing to offer memorials, in lieu of flowers, are asked to consider the Toledo Zoo, The Toledo Ski Club, or the Paralyzed Veterans of America Buckeye Chapter.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lee P. Merkle, please visit our flower store.