Rev. Dr. Stuart Robert Merkel

Rev. Dr. Stuart Robert Merkel

“Pastor Stu”

June 12, 1961 - June 27, 2025

The Reverend Doctor Stuart R. Merkel (“Pastor Stu”) was born in Pomona, CA, and grew up in Chino, CA, graduating from Chino High School in 1979 and Point Loma Nazarene University in 1983. He received his Master of Divinity (MDiv, 1987) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin, 2008) degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.

Stu served three churches over his 38 years as an ordained minister: South Congregational Church, Hartford, CT, as Minister of Christian Education and Youth, Gurnee Community Church, Gurnee, IL, as Associate Pastor, and Faith Community Church, Franklin, WI, as Senior Pastor. He also served in various roles through the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and as a Regional Director for ALPHA USA.

In addition to his pastoral work, Stu was involved in his community in a variety of ways. Stu participated in the Exchange Club in Gurnee, IL and the Lions Club in Franklin, WI, as well as the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce. He was elected for two terms to serve on the Gurnee (IL) District 56 School Board. Stu also umpired baseball and officiated swimming for over 40 years with the WIAA and other local associations in Connecticut, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Through his leadership and service to his church and community, Stu touched and inspired hundreds of people. He always made time for everyone and will be remembered for his genuine care for each person. He will be greatly missed by many who remember him as husband, father, brother, Papa, uncle, Pastor Stu, “Blue,” and friend.

Now Stu is with his first and greatest love, his forever best friend, his Lord Jesus. While you may weep a few tears, please also rejoice in the truth of eternal life. Stu is living that truth now and forever.

Stu was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Merkel; his infant son, Philip Merkel; and his in-laws, James and Ruth Pountain.

Stu is survived by his immediate family, including his Wife of 42 years, Lynn (Pountain) Merkel; Sons and Daughters-in-law: Peter and Dana (Palminteri) Merkel, Greg and Liz (Just) Merkel; and Grandchildren: Andrea and Aaron Merkel.

Other family members include Stu’s Brother: G. Dwight Merkel (Pamela); Sisters-in-law: Jean (Jim) Lewis, Gail (Steve) Vitale; Nieces and Nephews: Kate (Merkel) and TJ Rinker, Doug and Kristin (Richter) Merkel, Paul and Alli (Hildebrand) Lewis, Kristin Lewis, Adam Vitale, Bryan Vitale, Daniel Vitale, Drew Vitale; and Great Nieces and Nephews: Elle, Cole, and Claire Rinker; Charlie, Louise, and Fletcher Lewis; Fritz and Lucille Merkel.

A Celebration of Life for Stu will be held on August 9th at 2 pm at Southbrook Church in Franklin, WI. Rather than sending cut flowers, please plant a tree, shrub, or flower in memory of Stu. Memorial donations can be made in honor of Stu to Faith Community Church. Mail checks to 7700 W. Faith Drive, Franklin, WI 53132, or donate online at https://www.faithcc.us/giving

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” - Matthew 6:33