Barbara Hamnik

Barbara Ann Rosemarie Merkling Hamnik (affectionately known as “Babs”), age 69, of Winthrop Harbor, IL, died suddenly of cardiac arrest on Sunday morning, March 29, in the home she has shared with her husband of 50 years. She was born November 18, 1945, in Waukegan, IL, to Gerard Merkling and Hildegard “Hilde” Merkling Dudink (both of whom preceded her in death) and was the 7th born grandchild (Red Shirt #7) to Rose and Jacob Girtz, Pierz, MN, parents to 18 children. In a family as close as we are, it is with intensely deep sorrow to say we have lost our wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend. She leaves behind her husband, Mike; her daughters LeAnn “Annie” Berens and Lynn (Tim) Germer; grandchildren Lauren Germer, Jack and Ally Berens; brothers Steve (Diane) Merkling, Danny (Nannette) Merkling and “sissys” Karen (Dave) Grooms, Ruth “Pooh” (Jeff) Paul; and many nieces and nephews. To know Barb was to love her. She made everyone she came in contact with feel special – from those she crossed paths with only occasionally to those she loved and held most dearest. Those she worked with, served, and helped from the early years at Louie'sRestaurant to the Doctor’s Office of Zion – and everywhere in-between – all will surely feel the loss. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Merkling, and son, Brett Hamnik. Barb’s love for her husband was unquestionable, her sisters her best friends, her brothers her rocks, her grandchildren her biggest passion, and her daughters her unconditional love. A wake will be held Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 4-7 pm at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. The celebration of her life will be held immediately thereafter at her brother’s home in Winthrop Harbor. A private inurnment will be held at a time and date to be determined at North Shore Garden of Memories in North Chicago. As Barb loved to cook and feed those she loved, donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her name to Holy Family Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, 912 8th Street, Waukegan, ILhttp://www.holyfamilyfoodpantry.org/.