OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Joseph Robert Merlenbach, 77, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. He was born July 30, 1947, in Taylorville, Ill., the son of William Frank Merlenbach and Minnie Mae Taylor.
Joe’s family moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he attended high school and graduated with the class of 1965.
On Nov. 8, 1965, he entered the United States Army, and proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge Nov. 7, 1968. He married Jackie Gebert, Feb. 19, 1966, in St. Louis. They moved to Junction City, Kan., where Joe worked as an auto mechanic for several years. Joe and Jackie later divorced.
Joe married Donna Baysinger, Feb. 10, 1984, in Emporia, Kan. He held a position at IBP 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, Kan., for more than 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, Osage City, Joey Lamond and wife, Tami, Wichita, Kan., Jessica Murphy, Battle Creek, Neb.; sister, Liz Kawelaske, Lake of The Ozarks; grandchildren, Kristy, Shanda, Alison, Tanya, Ray, Jordan, Braxton and Lane; 14 great-grandchildren; and 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 10 a.m. Monday, July 28, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. Burial will follow services at Osage City Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Robert Heizer American Legion Post, and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
