Deanna Merkel, age 82, of New Ulm passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes – North Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Deanna is survived by her sons, Joe (Stacy) Merkel, Brett Merkel (Nicole Emerson); four grandchildren, Riley, Tanner, Brooke, Madelyn Merkel; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank “Jerry” Gizzi” Merkel; brother, Ron Rutjes; an infant sister; and many extended family.

Deanna Sue Rutjes was born November 6, 1943 to Fred and Lucille (Krueger) Rutjes in Mankato. She graduated high school in 1961 and attended Community College in Gaylord. On May 15, 1965, Deanna was united in marriage to Frank “Jerry” “Gizzy” Merkel in Mankato. Their union was blessed with two children, Joe and Brett. In addition to being a wife and mother, Deanna worked at the AMPI Corporate Office in New Ulm. Outside of work, she enjoyed thrifting with her friends, watching her favorite shows on DVR, completing word searching, and reading books. Deanna especially enjoyed all the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by those that knew her. Blessed be her memory.

Special thank you to the New Ulm Medical Center, Mayo Clinic of Mankato, and Oak Hills Living Center.