The Minneapolis community is mourning the loss of Fletcher Alexander Merkel, age 8, whose sparkling blue eyes, freckled face, and gravity-defying blonde hair reflected the bright, infectious spirit he brought into every room. Fletcher passed away unexpectedly, leaving family, friends, and all who knew him heartbroken at the sudden loss of such a vibrant and joyful young soul.
Fletcher was a boy who never stood still. Whether dancing with every touchdown in his flag football games, shooting hoops in the driveway with his older brother, or exploring imaginative worlds through his Lego creations, he approached life with uncontainable energy and curiosity. Cooking with his parents, he eagerly experimented with recipes, proudly sharing his creations—like his favorite bacon macaroni and cheese—with anyone willing to taste. A true culinary adventurer, Fletcher even embraced unusual foods, from pickled herring to blue cheese, with fearless enthusiasm.
His love for the natural world was equally remarkable. Fletcher’s fascination with animals and science led him to collect turtles, frogs, fish, butterflies, caterpillars, and worms during the summer months, studying and releasing each one with care. Fishing trips with his father were some of his favorite adventures, and his curiosity knew no bounds. Fletcher’s family also shared in his love of travel, exploring the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain in just the past two years. Always full of anticipation and dreams, Fletcher had been eagerly looking forward to attending his first Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field this fall, with aspirations of one day becoming an NFL player himself.
Beyond his boundless curiosity and adventurous spirit, Fletcher was remarkable in his capacity for love. He shared his joy generously with everyone around him, leaving a lasting impression on friends, family, and neighbors alike. Fletcher will be forever cherished and remembered by his mother, Mollie; father, Jesse; older brother; younger sister; younger brother; dog, Clementine; grandfather Dennis; aunt Erin and uncle Joe with their three children; grandfather Ron and grandmother Carol; aunt Laura and uncle David with their two children. His grandmother Kathryn was already waiting for him on the other side.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 7th, with visitation starting at 2:00 PM, all at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S., Minneapolis. The family invites attendees to wear bright colors, a reflection of Fletcher’s luminous personality and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Though Fletcher’s life was far too short, his laughter, creativity, curiosity, and love for life will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a bright light that touched countless lives, and his spirit will be remembered always.
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