Dale Franklin Merckle, 89, of Sardis, Ohio, peacefully left us on December 16, 2023, at his home.
 He was born at home on Krieg Ridge Road, grew up in Pittsburgh on the North Side on June 18, 1934. Proud to be a part of “The Ward” as they called it back then. He loved telling stories growing up there, playing on The Little Rooney’s, and we loved listening.
 Worked on the Riverboat with dad and brother until he was hired at the Ormet Corp. where he retired.
 He was a passionate softball player and coach. #1 Steeler Fan.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Stafford, and Goldie Merckle; his wife Patricia Merckle; two brothers, Chuck Merckle and Sam Merckle; one sister Judy Richie.
 Surviving are two daughters, Michele (Mickie) Merckle of Fly and Gemma Merckle Potts of Sardis; four grandchildren, Danielle Lallathin, Shannan (Mitch) Palmer, DJ (Joni) Potts, Dakota (Kelsey) Dunn; five great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ethan and Ellie Lallathin, Darynn Potts, and Wylder Dunn; one brother Jack (Nancy) Merckle; one half-sister, Margaret (Jack) Highly and half-brother, Stafford (Rhonda) Merckle.
 The family will receive friends Friday, December 22, 2023, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at Grisell Funeral Home, 37234 Mound Street, Sardis.
 Private interment at the convenience of the family.