OBITUARY FROM BURNS FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE:

Obituary for David W. Mergl

David Winston Mergl, born December 3, 1938 to Joseph and Dorothy Mergl, passed away with his devoted wife of 30 years, Stephanie, by his side on August 23, 2025.

He graduated from Hobart High School in 1957 and spent his entire life in the Hobart community, which he loved dearly. David was an exceptionally talented artist who won many art contests in his youth and continued to draw/create his entire life. After working at Bethlehem Steel for 20 years, he used his art skills to support the safety departments at the mills and railroads of Northwest Indiana, providing safety drawings that were used to prevent accidents and protect others.

In addition to art, David pursued a passion for photography. For over 40 years, he was proud to photograph weddings across many generations and loved bringing his creative energy to a couple’s big day. He was also very proud to photograph the 1987 Hobart Brickie State Champion football team, which his son, Jason, was a part of.

David had a lifelong love of old cars, especially his prized 1951 Mercury that he hand painted with flames and pinstripes. He never met a burger or a diet pop he didn’t like and most likely had a Big Gulp in hand. David was a dog lover through and through and over the years, had several companions that brought him joy --- Chiggers, Charlie, Socks, Maggie, Diego, and his grand dog Bailey. Above all, David was most proud to be called “Grandpa” and loved showing up for their school events and accomplishments.

He will be missed by many.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Mergl; son, Michael Alan Mergl; and brother, Roger Mergl. He is survived by his devoted wife, Stephanie Mergl; children, Steven Mergl, Jason Mergl, and Lisa Easley (Doug), Melissa Green (Brian), Shannon Duncan (Matt); grandchildren, Hannah, Haley, Emerson, Lincoln, Avery, Olivia, Alex, Gabrielle, and Brian Jr.

PRIVATE services will be held at Burns Funeral Home, Hobart, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com

This information and the picture below were obtained from: https://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/david-mergl/#!/Obituary. The picture above was obtained from the 1957 HHS Memories yearbook, made available by the Lake County Public Library, at: https://archive.org/details/HOHS1957Images/.