Erwin Lee Merzke

Erwin Lee Merzke, Sr.

Erwin Lee Merzke was the fourteenth child.  He was born at home at 181 Weaver St. on August 5, 1910.   He was baptized September 2, 1910 at Concordia Lutheran Church by Rev. Conrad.  Erwin’s sponsors were his uncle, Lewis Smarcz, his uncle Otto’s wife, Carolina Smarcz, and William Bonke.  He was confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church in 1925.

  

Erwin, who was known as Erv, married Elizabeth (Liezetta) Bauer.  They lived at 136 Woodbury St., 48 Durnan St., 73 Wilkins St., 29 Bloomingdale St., and than moved to 12 Loomis St. where they lived for the rest of Erv’s life. Erv and Zetty had two sons.  Ronald Lee Merzke (living) and Erwin Lee Merzke, Jr,  born February 7, 1945.

   

Erv had various jobs in the early years.  He was a painter and a furnace repairman. He was eventually hired by the Eastman Kodak Company where he worked as a plumber.  He also worked as a plumber for Frank H. Schuth of 670 Winton Rd.   Erv loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing.  He also enjoyed getting together with family and friends to play cards.

   

Erwin died on November 7, 1973.   Elizabeth died September 7, 1977.  Erwin and Elizabeth are buried in White Haven Memorial Cemetery, Rochester, New York.

Walter Henry Frederick Merzke

Walter Henry Frederick Merzke, the eighth child, was born at home at 39 Henry St. on March 28,1899.   He was baptized May 28, 1899. His sponsors were Dora Smarcz, Fr. Tomaschke and Fr. Gabbie.Walt, who was known as “Scoop”, married a widow, Muriel Hazel Dake on July 5, 1927  in Concordia Lutheran Church. Attending them were Scoop’s brother, Erwin Merzke and Nellie Scheik. 

Walt worked for some time in tailoring and then as a truck driver for White Linen Supplies Laundry.  Muriel worked as a re-winder for Eastman Kodak Co., and in a bookbindery.  Walt and Muriel’s first home was located at 133 Fairfax Road. They moved to 1000 Clinton Avenue North. Later they moved to 49 Moulson St. and then to 32 Rosalie Drive, Greece, N.Y.

Muriel’s first husband was Fred Daub.  Together they had a daughter Hazel P. Daub who is still living. Fred Daub died January 14, 1923. Walt and Muriel had one child together, a son, Gerald Donald Merzke who is also still living.  Walt died May 19, 1962. Muriel died eleven years later on August 20, 1971.  They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Penfield, N.Y. along with many other members of the Dake family.