Yvonne G. Merkes, 81, of rural Lancaster died on Monday, Dec. 26, at her home.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Platteville. Rev. John Del Priore will officiate.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.  Friends may call from 3 - 7 p.m. Friday at the Melby-Bendorf Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a prayer service and a time of remembrance at 7 p.m., friends may also call from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Yvonne Merkes Memorial Fund.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Complete obituary is in the January 4, 2012 issue of The Platteville Journal.