Merlin Knispel, 79 / June 19, 1931 — May 19, 2011

Merlin Dean Knispel, 79, of Winding Waters Lane in Elkhart, died at home Thursday, May 19, 2011.

He was born June 19, 1931 in Fort Wayne, Ind. to Otto and Hilda (Springer) Knispel. He was married to Marylin Carol (Circle) Knispel for 51 years. She preceded him in death, as did his son, Ricky Dean Knispel, and a daughter, Shelley Jo Locey.

Merlin was a graduate of Indiana University and president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. His education included leadership and strategies of pharmaceuticals at Harvard School of Business. He served his country during the Korean War as an Army specialist 4th class. He started his accounting career as a certified public accountant with Price Waterhouse; went on to become chief financial officer of Miles Laboratory; and retired as co-owner of Vitco, Inc. in Nappanee, Ind. Merlin was also treasurer at First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart.

Surviving are his wife, Marian “Mimi” C. Knispel; children, Shannon Knispel-Robinson, Sheryl (John) Kline, Stacy (Randy) Speckhard, Sandra Ricci; grandchildren, Brent Locey, Brad Locey, Korey Robinson, Anna Robinson, Stephanie Kline, Benjamin Kline, Eric Kline, Max Ricci; and great-grandchildren, Kayla Locey and Dylan Locey.

Friends called from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Presbyterian church on 68961 Lake St. in Edwardsburg, where the service followed at 11 a.m.

Burial was at Adamsville Cemetery.

Arrangements by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.