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George Merkert Obituary

Once while hiking in Palmer Park in Colorado Springs with one of his sons, his son asked Dr. Merkert, "Dad, how many polio victims did you reengineer so that they could walk?"

Dr. Merkert took a few moments to reflect and then said,

"I guess about 60."

Father and son hiked in silence together for several minutes before Dr. Merkert said, "You mean people who had a real hard time walking?"

His son said, "Yes."

Dr. Merkert said, "Well, make it 40 or 45 then."

Dr. Merkert died on July 12, 2014. He was 89 years old. He died at his home in his bed with his cheek nestled against the cheek of Karin Merkert - his wife of 35 years.

Dr. Merkert was born in Minneapolis in 1925. He was named after his father Dr. George L Merkert Sr. though many called him by his childhood nickname "Bud".

Dr. Merkert never graduated from high school and was

not-so-secretly proud that he hadn't. His college entrance exam scores were substantial enough - and the need for

doctors during World War II was great enough - that Dr. Merkert qualified for the Navy V-12 college training program and he left for college before the spring semester of his senior year of high school. He attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

He graduated from medical school in 1948 followed by a year as an intern at Ancker Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1950 the Navy called Dr. Merkert for active duty. At both Fort Campbell Army Hospital in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia Dr.Merkert treated soldiers wounded in the Korean War. His experience treating the wounded was so extensive that he

received credit for two years of residency in orthopaedic

surgery for it.

In 1952 Dr. Merkert went to sea on a tanker after which

service the Navy discharged him with honor. He then

completed two additional years of residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Veterans Administration Hospital in

Minneapolis and Gillette State Hospital for Crippled Children in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Merkert earned certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1957.

He and his first wife Ruth Napier were married on April 9, 1950 which was also Dr. Merkert's 25th birthday. Five sons came from this union - George L Merkert III (aka "Chip"), Craig Napier Merkert, Thomas Whitney Merkert, Walter Theodore Merkert (died shortly after birth) and Jon Walter Merkert.

Dr. Merkert began practicing orthopaedic surgery in

Colorado Springs in 1955. He became partners with Dr. Robert E. Carlton shortly thereafter. In 1965 Dr. C. Milton Waldron joined them and they formed the Merkert-Carlton-Waldron Orthopaedic Association which grew to become the Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group.

Dr. Merkert was the team doctor for all of Colorado

College's sports teams for more than 30 years. In the years before players wore face protection, Colorado College

hockey team members nicknamed him "Slash" because he sewed up cuts on their faces so often.

Dr. Merkert skied until he was 83 years old and he played golf regularly with his close friends for several years more.

Dr. Merkert had a copy of the Rotarian's Four Way Test on his desk at his office. He placed it there not only because he wanted to remind himself that he lived by these important principles but also because he wanted others to know what kind of man he was.

The Rotarian's Four Way Test reads:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Surviving Dr. Merkert are his sons and their mother, granddaughters Margaux Faris-Merkert, Molly Rose and My Linh Rioth-Merkert, Dr. Merkert's wife Karin Merkert and Karin's four children from her previous marriage who Dr. Merkert also loved - Chris, Lisa, Fred and Nick Thiem.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of Dr. Merkert's life at Shove Chapel on the Colorado College campus at 1:30pm on Thursday, July 31. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of these

organizations:

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at

http://tinyurl.com/lco3lcd or call 1-719 302-8725

Silver Key Senior Services at http://tinyurl.com/l6ecf42 or call 1-719 884-2311

George Merkert Endowment for Education in Sports

Medicine at Colorado College at http://tinyurl.com/nczryoy or call 1-800-782-6306 option 3.

Please note that your donation is in memory of Dr. George L Merkert Jr.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jul. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for George Merkert

Not sure what to say?





Deanne Culp

August 2, 2014

I have wonderful fond memories of this man since the age of 12 when he repaired my knee from a devastating injury. Then through the many many years of working with him at St. Francis Hospital in Surgery/Pacu. I always cared deeply about him and always loved being one of his "tomatoes". God bless you and your family as you travel the days and years ahead. May he always bless you with rich meaningful memories:).

Alison Spurgeon

August 1, 2014

Dr Merkert was an amazing doctor and friend to my sister and I when we were children, and our father Allen. He truly was one of a kind.

Devon Spurgeon

August 1, 2014

Some of my best childhood memories were the times I spent with Dr. Merkert and my father, W. Allen Spurgeon. After my dad died, when I was only 8, Dr. Merkert continued to look after my family and let two fatherless girls join him on his many outdoor adventures. I am also forever grateful for the dexterity he demonstrated stiching up my forehead following a Big Wheel accident. He was a truly wonderful man who touched the lives of everyone he met. My thoughts are with the Merkert family.

July 31, 2014

Dr. Merkert saved my feet when I was born. My Mother worked along with him on the hockey team. If it wasn't for Dr. Merkert I wouldn't be walking today. Bless you and your family. There isn't a day when I am not grateful for his hard work.

Juliette Appleman

July 30, 2014

I will always have fond memories of Dr. Merkert as my favorite doctor. As my orthopedic doctor, I had regular visits with him as a child. I will always remember him as very kind and sweet with me. God bless.

Barbara Bridgmon

July 30, 2014

I was blessed to work with Dr. Merkert at Memorial Hospital and have nothing but fond memories of him and that time. Prayers to the family for their loss! Saddened by his passing but so glad I met and worked with him!

Paula Stock

July 29, 2014

Karin and family, Dr. Merkert was a very special part of my life. Preformed and over seen several of my surgeries and a very dear family friend. He will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Paula Stock

Tom Sills

July 29, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your father operated on me several times and his care placed me on my feet again. God bless you all. He will be missed.

With Scott and Shannon

Bob Craig

July 29, 2014

Bud's life stands tall in ways that deserve honor, gratitude and respect. He was a mentor, cousin and friend who is missed already. We reach out to the immediate family with our prayers and positive thoughts and memories. And with love! Bob and Suzanne Craig

Denise Quintana

July 29, 2014

Whitney, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! From all of us here at Qualtek!!

July 28, 2014

Karen, Bud was one of the first physicians we met when we came to Colorado Springs in 1960 and was always one of Al's valued colleagues--and a great skiing and golf buddy. We always enjoyed seeing you both at concerts, but my favorite memory is of the two of you joyful at the lovely celebration of your 25th wedding anniversary. I know you have many memories to keep him always alive in your heart. I will keep you and all the family in my thoughts and prayers. Marjorie Rapp

sharon berthrong

July 27, 2014

Morgan Berthrong and I thought the world of George. He was a great surgeon and a wonderful caring person. Karen and family, I'm thinking of you.

Judy Childers

July 27, 2014

Karin:
My warm thoughts to you and your family.
Judy Childers

Mary Lovell

July 27, 2014

Jon,
My heart goes out to you at the lose of your father. He was a very nice man.

Patti Chamberlain

July 27, 2014

To the Merkert Family,

I will never forget the multiple times Dr. Merkert helped my mother Laura Adler in her extreme and painful suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis all her life until she passed from its' side effects at the age of 53 in 1974. There was no other doctor that my mother ever wanted to see for the countless bone and joint operations she had over so many years. If Dr. Merkert had not performed these surgeries to help her to have a reasonably functioning life, she would not have been able to keep walking and would have been in a wheelchair decades before her passing. That was not something my mother would ever agree to! She adored Dr. Merkert and I am grateful for all the good he has done to help so many people overcome pain and adversity. My sincere condolences.

Andrea Fucillo

July 27, 2014

Bud was one of our daddy's favorite people in this world! We all have such fond memories of him and will miss him.
Love from the Huber girls - Alisan, Andrea, and Joni

Sharon Gritzmacher

July 24, 2014

Fond memories of my Uncle Bud.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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