Robert "Bob" Merkel

In Loving Memory of Robert ‘Bob’ Merkel

Robert ‘Bob’ Merkel, 99, of Saline Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025.

Bob was born on February 7, 1926, in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Max and Agnes (Huber) Merkel.

Bob grew up on a farm in Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he became active in 4H at a very young age, eventually taking on leadership roles in high school. Planning to return to the family farm, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Madison to take a few classes. However, once he began his studies, he discovered a passion for learning and science. He went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. During his studies, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and served at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from 1952 to 1953. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to complete his education.

Bob’s professional career began at Kansas State University. In 1962, he joined the faculty at Michigan State University (MSU), where he built a distinguished record of research, teaching, and leadership. He also served as director of American Meat Science Association AMSA, earning recognition through numerous awards from the American Society of Animal Science ASAS, scholastic groups and AMSA, publications, and scholarships that honored his contributions to the field of Animal and Food Science. During his time at MSU, he was considered an international authority on growth biology and meat science. Through his research success, Bob enhanced the understanding of biology of fat and protein synthesis and had a major influence on the direction of livestock research. He was the author or co-author of five books on meat science and incorporated his research findings into courses for more than 12,000 students.

In 1954, Bob married the love of his life, Betty, whom he met in college through mutual friends. Together they built a life filled with love and partnership, and on August 7, 2025, they celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth ‘Betty’ and his four children: William ‘Bill’ Merkel of Menominee MI, Jane Merkel of Northville MI, Ann (John) Walton of Marshall MI, and Sue Merkel of Ann Arbor MI; 2 grandchildren Benjamin ‘Ben’ Walton of Kalamazoo MI and Alexander ‘Alex’ Walton of Bloomfield Hills MI; step-granddaughter Emily Walton of Loveland, Colorado, his sister in law Tessie Merkel of Marshfield, WI, and brother-in-law Pat Walsh of Marshfield, WI.

Bob was preceded in death by parents Max and Agnes (Huber) Merkel, his in-laws George and Kathryn ‘Katie’ (O’Connor) Genin, his siblings Rueben Merkel, Eugene Merkel, Dick Merkel, John ‘Jack’ Merkel, Dolores (Dennis) Seger, Kathleen (Robert) Barbour, Rose ‘Rosie’ Walsh and step-grandson Andrew (Andy) Walton.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His greatest joy came from science, his research, family gatherings, working in his garden, and cheering on the Spartans. Known for his kindness, warm heart, and unwavering work ethic, Bob touched the lives of many.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00am at St Andrew’s Catholic Church in Saline. A funeral mass will be held immediately following the visitation. A Committal Service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin in September.

The family is grateful for the dedicated care he received from Residential Hospice and Honor caregivers.

Bob will be dearly missed but remembered with love, laughter, and gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Robert (Bob) Merkel Mentor Recognition fund.

https://meatscience.org/amsa-council/mentor-recognition-program/mentor/robert-merkel