Obituary of Joanna A. Merkwan

Joanna A. "Jenny" Merkwan, age 94, of Tabor, SD passed away early Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, December 18, 2015 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, SD with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD with a Wake service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Pallbearers are Paul Eggers, Tom Bartunek, Branden Eggers, Cory Bartunek, Bill Cap, Joe Cap and James Kocer. Joanna was born May 10, 1921 in Tabor, SD to Joe and Joanna (Herman) Grail. She grew up with 11 brothers and sisters on their parent's farm 4 1/2 miles northwest of Tabor, SD. Joanna was baptized and a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church of Tabor until her death. She attended Grail school through the 8th grade. Joanna married George Merkwan on December 14, 1942. One daughter and one son was blessed to their union. Together they farmed 5 miles northwest of Tabor. They raised many types of livestock and poultry. She was well known for raising and selling ducks. She made the best "Kolachies", Donuts, Dumplings and "Kobilihi". Joanna enjoyed playing cards with neighbors, friends and family. Joanna so enjoyed her grandchildren, Tom and [Mary] Bartunek of Avon and Patty and [Paul] Eggers of Wagner. Joanna's husband, George died December 12, 1987. She stayed on the farm for another year and then moved into the town of Tabor until her death. Joanna is survived by her daughter, Lillian (Clarence) Bartunek of Tabor, SD; son, Ernest (Gloria) Merkwan of Tabor, SD; brother, Edward Cap or rural Tabor, SD; sister, Lillian Cap of Tabor, SD; 2 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 8 step-grand-children, great grandchildren and great-great children and a host of nieces and nephews. Joanna was proceeded in death by her mother and father, Joe and Joanna Grail, husband, George Merkwan and sisters: Maimie Grail, Helen Cap, Anna Cap, Rose Kocer, Agnas Fitch and Stella Kalda and brothers, Joe, John and Emil Grail.