John B. Merkouris of Sioux Falls, SD died October 28, 2007 in Sioux Falls. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 1st at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel with Rev. Jerry Merkouris officiating. A time for visiting will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 31st also at our Cambridge chapel.
John B. Merkouris, 56, passed away October 28, 2007, at his new home in Sioux Falls, SD, following a lengthy illness.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 1, at 11:00 a.m., at Strike Funeral Home-Cambridge Chapel, with Rev. Jerry Merkouris officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, at the Strike Funeral Home-Cambridge Chapel.
John was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 22, 1950, to Jim and Stella Merkouris. He grew up in rural Isanti, MN and attended Long Lake Country School for six years. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1968. In 1970, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in Vietnam.
John lived in Alaska for 22 years and enjoyed the time he spent exploring the beautiful wilderness with his sled dog team of huskies. During his time in Nome, AK, he served as a volunteer fireman for 10 years and also served several years on the board of the Bering Sea Women’s Shelter. After his retirement from the Dept. of Labor, State of Alaska in 2005, John and My Quyen moved to Vietnam, where he enjoyed spending time with her family amongst the beautiful countryside. Due to his serious health problems, John, My Quyen and Jaquie returned to the U.S. for medical care in Sioux Falls. He received outstanding care from the staff at Sioux Valley Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. Scott Ecklund.
John will be missed by his wife, My Quyen Le Merkouris; his children, whom he loved so much, Jaqueline Mai Chi Merkouris, James Merkouris of Isanti, MN and Michael (Tamara) Merkouris of Winona, MN; his mother, Stella Merkouris of Cambridge, MN; brothers Paul (Amelia) Merkouris of Anchorage, AK; Tim (Renee) Merkouris of Cambridge, MN; Jerry (Paula) Merkouris of Valley Springs, SD; sisters Susan Merkouris of Oakdale, MN and Karin (David) Bohon of Isanti, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim, in 1998.
Ann, Jimmy & Michael,
You are in our hearts, thoughts & prayers. You always have been & always will be…..especially now. If you need anything… we are here. We love you very much!
Love,
Jill, Gary & family
Dear Sue and Paul, My Qeyen Le, and Merkouris family, I was sorry to hear about John,
he was a great soul and will be missed. I’ll keep you in my thoughts, Best, Libby
I just today heard about John’s death. I am so sorry. I worked for him for two years at Nome Job Center, from 1999 – 2001. He was a wonderful boss and a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Warmly, Therese Umholtz