Funeral services for Merle R. Durnell, 93, of East Moline, IL, will be 11 am Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, IL. Mr. Durnell passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Genesis Silvis.

Merle was born January 26, 1930, in Moline, IL, the son of Herbert and Elvyn Wainwright Durnell. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Frances Berg June 20, 1953, at St. Malachy's Catholic Church, Geneseo, IL. She passed away May 20, 2006. He retired from ALCOA in 1993 after more than 30 years of service. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards. The most important things in Merle's life was God and his family.

Survivors include his children, Jay Durnell, East Moline, and Mary (Dan) Carter, East Moline; daughter-in-law, Julie Durnell, Colona, IL; grandchildren, Mark (Crystal) Durnell and Amy Berry; great grandchildren, Audri, Tyler, Gabriel, Katelyn, Jacob and Anna.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Herbert "Herb" Durnell; and sister, Melba Spavin.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline, or your favorite food pantry.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com