Obituary of Jill Merkel

Rochester - Jill Merkel passed away on December 31, 2025 at the age of 82. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Phyllis Lindgren; her beloved husband, Stephen; her brother, Jack Lindgren; and her brother-in-law, James Merkel. She is survived by her children, Stacy Merkel, Wendy (James) Pinkert, Stephen (Sherry) Merkel, and Christopher Merkel; her grandchildren, Allison, Emily, Cameron, Jakob, Halie, Nathaniel, Kayden, Skyla, and Calee; her great-grandson, Kyrie; her brothers, Gerald (Frannie) Lindgren and Jeff (Monica) Lindgren; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom Merkel, Carol (Dan) Strong, and Diane Merkel; and her nieces and nephews.

After being born in Chicago, Jill resided in several states throughout the country including Minnesota where she played center on her high school basketball team. She finally settled in Rochester, NY where she met the love of her life, Stephen. Their love story was an inspiration to all. She retired from Eastman Kodak Co., where she worked as a research tech for over 30 years. Jill loved hosting family gatherings, playing poker, gardening, going to the casino, enjoying her donuts and chocolate, and watching her favorite football team - The Buffalo Bills. Her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren. A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, she will be deeply missed and will remain in her family’s hearts forever.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468, where Jill's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in Parma Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the American Stroke Association at Rochester Regional Health Stroke Support, 2655 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, New York 14626 in Jill's memory. To donate online, click on the charity name.