Obituary of Jean E. Mertz

Jean E. Mertz, age 91, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Arborview Court. Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, March 20 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Olaf Andersen will officiate. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend Jean’s Life Celebration from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services on Monday at the funeral home. Jean was born May 29, 1925 in Wisconsin Rapids to the late Arthur and Bessie (Shearier) Gazeley Sr. She grew up and attended school in Wisconsin Rapids and graduated from Lincoln High School. She married the love of her life, Albert Mertz, on June 21, 1947. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage. Jean was a wonderful homemaker, wife, and mother. She spent her time being involved with many activities in the Moravian Church and her children’s school activities. She was always there to lend a hand, a smile, and support. She enjoyed cooking, her flowers, watching the birds and wildlife, going to craft shows and flea markets, meeting people, and selling hand crafted items. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and playing cards and games. She will be remembered for her wonderful smiles, sense of humor, and her spunk. She is survived by two sons: Jerry (Sherrie) Mertz of California and David (Sandy) Mertz of Wisconsin Rapids; two daughters: Diane (Terry) Stelzer of Wisconsin Rapids and Beverly (Scott) Brown of Illinois; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Art (Lois) Gazeley; one sister, Helen (Frank) Davis; and a sister-in-law, Jan Gazeley. She is preceded in death by her husband Albert, brother, Jim Gazeley, and infant son and daughter, two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law. We would like to thank everyone at Arborwood Lodge, Aspirus Riverview Hospital, Arborview Court, and Aspirus Hospice for all of your support, understanding and care.