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Obituary for Michael J. Merkley
Michael J. Merkley, age 84, died peacefully on October 2. He was born to E.A. and Margaret Merkley on September 6, 1932 in Sacramento. His daughter, Nancy Merkley preceded him in death on July 2, 1989. Mike is survived by his wife Patricia, son, Danny Merkley (Julie), granddaughter Sherida (Kevin), great grandchildren, Haley, Sam and Clara, grandson Chad (Tori), great grandchildren Mia, Kodi and Cooper, and grandson Zachariah; son, Gary Merkley (Pui), grandchildren Gregory, Stephen and Amanda; son, Ed Merkley (Alice), granddaughter Katie; daughter Marilyn Gray (Ron); stepson Doug DeKreek (Alison); stepson Dave DeKreek (Shelli), granddaughters Kalyn and Kendall; stepson Todd DeKreek (Sandy), granddaughters Brittany, Brenna and Haley. Mike and Pat were married in 1978 and lived north of Dixon on the Michael Merkley Ranch until recently moving to El Dorado Hills. Mike attended Christian Brothers in Sacramento and graduated from Dixon High School in 1950. Attended St. Mary's College and graduated from the University of California at Davis in Animal Husbandry. He joined the United States Marine Corps, was honorably discharged in 1954 and remained a proud Marine throughout his life. He worked for the family dairy (Lucas Valley Dairy) in San Rafael for a short time delivering milk, worked for Victor Equipment Company selling welding supplies and equipment, and for Adams Schwab and Adams (Adams Grain Company) in Woodland before pursuing farming full time. He owned and operated Michael Merkley Ranch for more than 40 years, headquartered north of Dixon and growing row crops across Solano and Yolo counties. He also served on numerous boards and farm related organizations such as the Woodland Production Credit Association (Farm Credit), Dixon Soil Conservation Service and Dixon Housing Authority to name a few. Mike loved farming and working with equipment and hunting on the family dairy ranch in Lucas Valley with five generations of friends and family. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf with Pat and spending time socializing with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Visitation and a Rosary will be held at the Milton Carpenter Funeral Home, 569 N 1st St, Dixon, CA 95620, Thursday, October 13 at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. respectively. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Peter's Catholic Church, 105 S 2nd St, Dixon, CA 95620, Friday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Dixon.
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