Allan Merkle, age 90 of Freeport, IL, passed away at home on Friday, October 5, 2018. He was born May 10, 1928, the son of the late Henry and Sylvine (Duggins) Merkle. He was a graduate of Freeport High School and served in the United States Army Air Corps. He married Marilyn Mae MacDonald on October 30, 1964; she preceded him in death on October 13, 2001.

'Big Al" was initially a self-employed welder then joined the Iron Workers Local 498 based in Rockford, IL.  He made many good friends during his career as a "high iron" ironworker, retiring in 1990.  Allan also enjoyed small scale farming, raising a variety of animals and crops.  He was a member of the Iron Workers Union, the VFW, the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, the NRA, the Audubon Society, the Smithsonian, the Arbor Day Foundation, and the International Association of Bridges, Ornamental, and Structural Iron Workers.  In the 1950s Allan was part of a stock car racing team with his friend Joe Noeske. Allan enjoyed collecting and tinkering with machinery.  He could fix nearly anything and enjoyed socializing with friends at auctions and over equipment repairs. He was a great storyteller and loved his dogs Mona and Spice.

He is survived by his children, Janis (Robert Suchor) Merkle of New Glarus, WI, Patricia (Thomas Pettenski) Merkle of Columbus, OH, and Henry Allan (Kathy) Merkle of Greer, SC; grandchildren, Katie Suchor and Hannah (Nathan Fritz) Suchor and Nikolas and Jackson Pettenski; several nieces and nephews; and loyal friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn; and sisters, Mabel Merkle and Katherine Elaine McAlpin.