Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Father Craig Timmerman will celebrate the Mass, and burial will take place in the Fort Ridgely Cemetery in rural Fairfax at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 and continue from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2, all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Jean is survived by her sons, Daniel (Andrea) Merkel of Fairfax, Jeffrey Merkel of Sleepy Eye; her grandchildren, Kyla Edmonds, Colten Merkel, Hazen Merkel, Lukas Merkel; her sisters, Janet (Matt) Rucker of Comfrey, Bonnie (Robert Feldman) Binger of Ashby, Cindy Montes of Sleepy Eye; her brother, Don (Sylvia Kienlen) Binger of New Ulm; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mary “Sue” Binger, Sherri Binger; her brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Binger, James “Jim” Binger, Jon Binger, Kevin Binger, Jody Binger; and her nephews, Brandon and Corey Binger.

Jean Marie (Binger) Merkel was born May 15, 1960, in Willmar, Minn., to Vern and Margaret (Miller) Binger. She grew up in south central Minn. and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1978. Jean went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Mankato Vocational College. On Dec. 28, 1979, she was united in marriage to Allan Merkel in Fairfax. Their union was blessed with two sons, and although they later divorced, the couple stayed close. Jean began her nursing career at the nursing home in Fairfax and later worked at the Sleepy Eye Medical Center. After stepping away from work to raise her children, she transitioned into administrative roles, working as a clerical assistant at Heartland Corn Products in Winthrop, the New Ulm Catholic Diocese offices, and Valero in Welcome, Minn. Later in life, she returned to her true calling, nursing, at the Harry Meyering Center in Mankato. Most recently, she was employed at EON in New Ulm. Jean lived a full and vibrant life. She had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed motorcycle rides, camping trips, and gardening. She had a keen eye for style and took pride in her talent for interior home design. Jean was a hard worker and an independent woman who always put the needs of others before her own. Her friendly nature and easygoing personality made it easy for her to connect with people from all walks of life. Above all else, Jean cherished her family–especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Jean will be remembered for her kind heart, strong spirit, and the love she shared so generously. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, warmth, and dedication to family. May these memories and the countless others forever stay in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her. Blessed be her memory.

Mvfh.org.

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