Joseph Robert Merlenbach

Joseph Robert Merlenbach, 77, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Stormont-Vail in Topeka.

He was born July 30, 1947 in Taylorville, Illinois, the son of William Frank Merlenbach and Minnie Mae Taylor. Joe’s family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he attended High School and graduated with the Class of 1965.

On November 8, 1965, he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge on November 7, 1968. He married Jackie Gebert on February 19, 1966 in St. Louis. They moved to Junction City where Joe worked as an auto mechanic for several years..

Joe and Jackie would later divorce.

Joe married Donna Baysinger on February 10, 1984 in Emporia, Kansas. He held a position at I.B.P. for several years before moving to Texas where he was employed as an iron worker. Joe and Donna later divorced.

After returning the area he went to work at Marley Homes, then as a courier for Stormont-Vail. Joe later worked at Car Quest in Osage City for over a decade. He spent the past several years driving a truck until his retirement in April of this year.

Joe was dedicated to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities, attending as many events as possible. Joe loved to spend time working on trucks and cars with his friends. His other interests included Bass fishing and attending car shows whenever he could.

He will live on in the hearts and cherished memories of his children, Kim Thompson and husband Perry of Osage City; Tricia Atchison of Osage City; Joey Lamond and wife Tami of Wichita Jessica Murphy of Battle Creek, Nebraska; a sister, Liz Kawelaske of Lake of The Ozarks; grandchildren; Kristy, Shanda, Alison, Tanya, Ray, Jordan, Braxton and Lane; 14 great-grandchildren; numerous extended family and a community of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Frank, Bill, Don and Tom.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 28, 2025 at the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City. Burial will follow services at Osage City Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Monday at the Funeral Chapel. Memorial contribution may be made to the Robert Heizer American Legion Post and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. 6th St., Osage City, Kansas 66523. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.