Wheeling High School Class of 1968 News for 2009

11/23/2009 Susan Clarke decided to share a recent picture with everyone.

11/14/2009 Joe Kotarba hosted a mini-reunion at. Here are some pictures from the event

07/31/2009 I'm sad to have to report that Rich Solsberry passed away this morning. He'd been battling esophagus cancer since April 2008. He will be cremated and the ceremony will be held August 21 in Florida. Richard has an older sister Victoria Solsberry '67, and a younger brother David Solsberry '72.

Rest in Peace Richard.

02/14/2009 I just received news that Janet Mertz Wrench's father passed away on January 10th, 2009. Janet has two younger sisters Jeannine Mertz Loquercio '71 and Joanne Mertz Clouston '72. The Mertz girls also have an older brother that did not attend WHS, Jim Mertz who is married to Diane Fanslow '69. Joanne '72 created this tribute to their dad:

Edward H. Mertz

May 24, 1923 -- January 10, 2009

Edward “Jim” H. Mertz, 85, died of a broken heart on Saturday, January 10, 2009. He was born May 24, 1923, the son of Frank and Alexina (Berry) Mertz. He was preceded in death just 7 months ago, by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jeanette C. (Johnson) Mertz.

Jim and Jeanette were married in Chicago on August 26, 1944. In 1956 they purchased their first home in Wheeling, IL, where they resided for 44 years. Jim worked at several shops in the Tool and Die Industry before becoming Plant Superintendent of Atols Tool and Die. Jeanette was a homemaker who took care of him and the family. Jim was an active member of the Tool and Die Institute, Knights of Columbus and ushered at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He served his country as a member of the United States Navy during WWII. He had several hobbies, but his passion was golf and he played as much as he could. At the age of 48, he became a licensed pilot and flew his own plane.

He retired from Atols Tool and Die in 1986. He worked part time for a few years, but mostly spent his time with his wife and his family. In 2000, Jim and Jeanette relocated to Aurora, IL. After Jeanette’s passing last year, Jim moved to Hillside Care Center in Yorkville, IL.

He is survived by his 4 children, Jim (Diane) Mertz, Janet (Jon) Wrench, Jeannine (Mike) Loquercio, and Joanne (Bill) Clouston; 8 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Cherie) Schopp, Gene Parker, Corin Mertz, Brian (Jenny) Schopp, Lindsey Mertz, Jim Wrench, Michael Loquercio, and Kristen Loquercio; and 5 great-grandchildren, Emily, Joshua, and Jacob Schopp, Macayla Wilson, and Alexis Schopp.

He was preceded in death by one grand-daughter, Rebecca Lee Schopp.

Internment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL, 60421.

The family wishes to thank Hillside Care Center and Provena Hospice for their care, their kindness, and their compassion in taking care of our dad.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in the name of Edward “Jim” Mertz to Provena Hospice, 77 North Airlite Street, Suite 260, Elgin, IL 60123.

01/01/2009 Happy New Year! There are 181 members of the Class of 1968 still missing.