Merle W. Marburger

Merle W. “Tuffy” Marburger, 91, of Dover, Ohio died Saturday, September 10, 2005 in the Hennis Care Centre in Dover following an extended illness.

Merle owned and operated the former Marburger Grill in Strasburg and Bolivar for many years until his retirement in 1981.

Born July 21, 1914 in Lawrence Twp., Tuscarawas County, Ohio, he was the son of the late William and Lucinda Vielhauer Marburger.

Merle was a member of St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ in Dover and was confirmed in the St. Paul�(TM)s (Ruslin Hills) UCC in Dover. He was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran having served on the USS Enterprise. Merle was a member and Past Commander of the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion in Strasburg and was Past Commander of the Tuscarawas Council of American Legion posts. He was also a life member of the New Philadelphia VFW, Past Chef de Gar of the 40 et 8 #117 in Tuscarawas County, Life member of the Dover Elks Lodge, and the Bolivar Sportsmans Club. In his teenage years, Merle was a wellknown area boxer and ended his career undefeated. He also enjoyed harness racing.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Harper Marburger who died February 21, 1993.

He is survived by one son and three daughters; Sally Secrest of Dover, Keith (Kathy) Marburger of Dover, Brenda Clugston of Canton, and Beth Marburger of Columbus; a daughter in law, June Marburger of Marion, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Jeff Secrest, Mark (Amanda) Secrest, Amy (Larry) Good, Heather (Brad) Krumpak, Kevin Clugston, Brian Marburger, Aaron Marburger, Matthew Marburger, and Cara Marburger along with five great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Merle was preceded in death by a son, Larry Marburger; son in law, Fred Clugston, a grandson, Todd Secrest, two brothers, Clinton and Karl Marburger and a sister, Alice Foos.

Funeral services celebrating Merle�(TM)s life will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 11am in the St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ at Dover with Rev. Dan Schaefer officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 5-8 pm at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Merle may sign the online register book by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ Renovation Fund, 409 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 or the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion, P.O. Box 11, Strasburg, Ohio 44680

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132