Garrett Regan Merck (February 22, 1985–September 29, 2026)

Garrett Regan Merck, 41, of Altoona, Wisconsin, went to be with his Savior on September 29, 2026. 

Garrett was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Eddie and Penny Merck on February 22, 1985. He was a graduate of Rock Hill High School and was a lifelong learner in the culinary arts. 

Garrett spent much of his working life in the food service and hospitality industry. Through dedication, hands-on experience, and a desire to develop his craft, he advanced in the culinary field, building his career largely through self-directed learning and on-the-job experience rather than formal training. 

His first significant role in the culinary field was at River Hills Country Club in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, where his passion for the culinary arts began to flourish. Among his notable positions, Garrett served as Executive Chef at The Ballantyne in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he oversaw the Gallery Restaurant. He also worked as Chef de Cuisine at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando, Florida, and as Chef Manager for Aspen Skiing Company in Aspen, Colorado. 

Throughout his career, he continued to refine his culinary expertise in menu development, cuisine, and banquet operations, gaining experience across many facets of professional kitchen management and hospitality. 

While living in Altoona, Wisconsin, Garrett worked at the Eau Claire Golf and Country Club. He attended Bethesda Church, where he was beginning to volunteer with the safety and care teams. He was also a founding member of a Sunday evening Bible study for men. Those who knew him valued his deep care for others and his continued desire to apply more of the Bible to his life. 

Beyond his work in the culinary arts, Garrett enjoyed spending time outdoors golfing, fishing, kayaking, camping, and bicycling. 

Garrett was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Peggy Neal, David Padgett, and Lewis Merck. 

Garrett is survived by his parents, Eddie and Penny Merck; his brothers: Justin Merck and Daniel (Allie) Merck; his sister, Sydney (Micah) Brighton; his three nieces: Adeline Merck, Charlotte Brighton, Caroline Brighton; his nephew, Mark Brighton; his grandparents, Jesse and Jane Neely, and his uncles, aunts, and cousins. 

The service will be Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Forest Hills Cemetery, 4290 Old York Rd, Rock Hill at 3:00pm. A family visitation time will immediately follow the service at Harvest Baptist Church: 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill.