Linda Kay Merkwan

Linda Kay Merkwan was born on December 27, 1952 to Marvin Lyle and Gladys Eileen (Knutson) Ryken. For a time, she worked for the Chicago Tribune. She was united in marriage to Gary Merkwan and they made their home in Springfield, South Dakota. For 3 years, she ran a greenhouse in Springfield. Linda worked for CR Industries as well as ran an in-home daycare. She later worked for the Adolescent Center and Academy in Springfield. The couple also owned and operated Legacy Furniture in Tyndall. They later moved to Yankton and in 2003, Linda began working at the Human Services Center.
Linda was a very giving, kind-hearted woman. She never wasted a day being angry or disliking anyone. She enjoyed gardening, mowing, canning, and cooking for her loved ones. She loved timber fires, Old Milwaukee Beer, and music. Linda was a founding member of the Bon Homme Lions Club and a member of the Tyndall Chamber of Commerce. She truly treasured her grandchildren and spoiled them with “rhino rides.”
Linda passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton having attained the age of 65 years, 5 months, and 13 days.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Gary Merkwan of rural Gayville, SD; children: Amanda Lee (Travis) Cox of Ere, CO, Carson Lyle (Courtney) Merkwan of Sioux Falls, SD; and Casey Allen (Tina) Merkwan of Yankton, SD; grandchildren: Ryken, Avery, Gary, Blair, Grant, Brix, and Axel; mother Gladys Ryken of Yankton, SD; and siblings: Marvin (Kathy) Ryken of Ventura, CA, Mary Ann Griffin of Minneapolis, MN, Robert Ryken of Chicago, IL, and Sam (Evonne) Ryken of Puget, WA.
She was preceded in death by her father.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or flower in Linda’s memory.