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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. |
