Merle was a truck driver for a lumber mill. He died after a fall down the stairs of the Central Tavern in Ebensburg, having incurred a fractured skull, laceration of the brain and a subdural hemmorage. He died 5 hours after admission to Mercy Hospital in Johnstown, Pa. A coroner’s jury was convened and determined that the death was accidental, but recommended that the Tavern install a door to prevent future incidents. Witnesses testified that Merle was not intoxicated aat the time.

Geraldine settled in Ebensburg, Pa. She was a licensed practical nurse at the Ebensburg Center.