George P. Merk, Ph.D.

During his college years, George enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant from 1949-1953. After returning from service, he continued his education receiving his PhD from Michigan State University.

The family’s East Lansing years began in 1964, when George joined the MSU department of Natural Science. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1998 and devoted his time to photography, gardening, wood working and writing where he published numerous articles for the Michigan History Magazine. George was also a member of the Okemos Kiwanis, where he was instrumental in obtaining the Chief Okemos Historical sign on the corner of Hamilton and Okemos Roads.

George was a very kind person who always had a smile on his face for everyone. Many thanks to the staff at Timber Ridge Assisted Living for their devoted care these past four years.

George is survived by his loving and devoted wife of many years, Dorothy; daughter, Micki Strand (Bruce); son, Marty Merk (Amy); grandchildren, Kacie Foster-Merk, Ryan Foster, Andrew Foster (Erica), Mollie Brown (Brock), Kelly Merk, Scott Merk (Rose), Cristy Merk, Brian Merk and two great-grandchildren, Chance Foster-Merk and Reese Brown.

A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Capital Area Humane Society would be appreciated since George had a profound love for animals.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.