Merle Lydia (Schmanke) Peiler

Merle L. Peiler, 84, of the Richmond, Illinois area passed away on August 10, 2025, at St. Lukes Medical Center.

Merle was born on April 16, 1941, to the late William and Lydia (Brauer) Schmanke in Chicago, Illinois.  Merle was a member of the graduating class of 1959 from Kelly High School in Chicago.  On June 4th, 1966, in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, Merle was united into marriage to Frank Peiler.

When you talk about Merle you can do nothing more than smile.  When her name is mentioned in conversation the common phrase is “We just love Merle and Frank, they are the sweetest”.  Merle was an active member in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Community, a loving grandmother, a fantastic mother, and phenomenal spouse and companion.

Merle is survived by her husband of 59 years, Frank and daughter Wendy.  Two grandchildren: Arieana Peiler and Alex Ekstrom-Peiler and four siblings: Dean (Gayle), Allen (Marty), Warren (Carolyn), and Jane (Ken) Sell all survive Merle.  Merle was preceded in death by her parents William and Lydia and one sibling Lynn.

Services for Merle will be held on Friday August 22nd, 2025, at 12:00pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Immanuel Lutheran starting at 11:00am.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Merle’s family