Peacefully, on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Humber River Hospital, at the age of 71. Beloved wife of George for 33 years. Cherished mother of Laurel Marquardt (John) and Daniel (Megan). Adored Oma of Josie. Dear sister of Dorothea, Elvira and Betty. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane subway, on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at Humbervale Park Baptist Church, 763 Royal York Rd., on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. Interment to follow. If desired, remembrances may be made to Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse) or Humbervale Park Baptist Church.

Celebration of Life

Elli Margitta Merke (Krueger) was born July 20, 1946 in Leer, Ostfriesland, Germany. She died at the age of 71, and went to be with her Lord and Saviour on January 13, 2018 in Toronto Ontario.
In 1949 her family left war torn Germany to seek a better life in Argentina, South America. As Canada became more receptive to immigration, the Krueger family returned to Germany in 1957 to begin the immigration process for Canada. In 1958 they landed on the shores of Canada and settled in Toronto. The next few years were a time of learning - a new language, schools, customs and making new friends. The Krueger family became active in the German Baptist church where they were able to worship and be part of a caring community. After High School, Marg continued her education, learning clerical skills, book keeping and some accounting, all while holding down a job. As church was important to Marg, she decided to go to North American Baptist College in Edmonton to learn how to be a more effective leader and teacher in her church. One of the by-products of this was extending her circle of friends across North America and worldwide. This was the beginning of many road trips and winter get-a-ways. In 1971 a family friend had asked Marg if she would come to work for Berkim Construction. Reluctant at first, she eventually did accept the offer. She stayed there for 40 years, retiring at age 65. Berkim was a very important part of her life. She was extremely proud of her contribution to the success of the Firm and valued the friendships with the employees, sub-contractors and clients.
In 1984 Marg met a man visiting from Chicago. A cup of coffee soon turned into a budding romance and on March 30, 1985 she married George Merke. Along with the marriage came a daughter Laurel, who Marg embraced with open arms and much love. As Marg was, ‘shall we say’ a little more mature than most brides, it was decided not to have any children. Well, God smiled on both Marg and George and on March 14, 1989 Daniel arrived. She was an amazing mother and the two of them have a very special bond.
Marg’s love for children did not stop at home. She was very active with the children’s programs at church. Besides Sunday school, she would organize and then take a week off of work to oversee a week of Vacation Bible School. Wanting to keep the Vacation Bible School kids engaged in the life of our church and learning about God, she initiated a new weekly program called Kids Club. She would collect the children in our neighborhood and bring them with her as well.
She also had a heart for missions and combined her love for children by being part of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, where items donated for children are packed into shoe-boxes and distributed throughout the world. Marg was also a faithful contributor to the White Cross work of our church.
February 27, 2017 was another highlight in her life when she met a very special child, her granddaughter, Josie. A few trips and many hours Face timing were the hi-lites of her last days.
Marg is now home with the Lord, I’m sure still watching over the children of the world. She will be missed by many. A life well led. Thanks be to God.