RACINE – Merll M. Korndoerfer, 87, passed away at home on Friday, September 22, 2017. Merll was born in Duluth, MN on November 11, 1929 to James and Helen Walley. On January 28, 1950, she married C.W. "Wolf" Korndoerfer. He preceded her in death on November 19, 2011. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she was a Badger Beauty and was active in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Merll volunteered at the Taylor Children's Home and was later named its President. She was an active volunteer at the Racine Zoo. In addition to serving as President, she dedicated herself to the improvement of the animal habitats and the revitalization of the zoo. First and foremost, Merll relished her role as wife and mother and enjoyed supporting her family, as well as her many cherished friends. Merll is survived by her children, Leigh (Bill) Chipman of Sandy, UT, Debbie (Randy) Gottfredson of Salt Lake City, UT, Carl (Jeanne) Korndoerfer of Racine, Wolf Korndoerfer of Racine, John (Robin) Korndoerfer of Racine and Jenifer (Dean) Mullis of Richfield, NC; Grandchildren, Parker (Lindsay) Chipman, Kit (Kim) Chipman, Peter (Melissa) Gottfredson, Rachel (Dillen) Bennett, Trevor (Sara) Gottfredson, Kylie Gottfredson, Kathleen Korndoerfer, Caralyn Korndoerfer, Kristen Korndoerfer, Erika Korndoerfer, Johan Korndoerfer, Niclaus Korndoerfer, Liesl Korndoerfer, Ellie Mullis and Levi Mullis; great-grandchildren, Braden, James, Rebecca, Lucy, Will, Hagen, Jax and Maverick; and her sister, Lois Kibbe. Merll is also survived by other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her great grandson, Carter; and sister, Janet Nelson. A memorial service for Merll will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Don Francis officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 5:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Racine Zoological Society. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all Merll's caregivers for all their care and compassion.