Gary D Mertz

Gary Duane Mertz, age 82, of Mandan went to be with the Lord on April 2, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Capital Christian Church in Bismarck. Burial will follow at 3 PM at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan with full military honors.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Monday, April 10, 2023, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Prayer Service at 6 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Gary was born to William O. and Melita (Anhorn) Mertz on May 30,1940, in Goodrich, ND, and was raised on a farm outside of Denhoff. After graduating as salutatorian of his high school class, Gary moved to Bismarck. During this time, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Miller. Shortly after, he was drafted into the Army in October 1963. He and Marilyn were married in 1965 and lived at Ft. Hood, TX, until he was honorably discharged in October 1965. The couple returned to ND where he worked for Atlas/Igoe Construction, General Tire, Claremont Construction, and retired from Cooperative Power. 

While raising a family, Gary took pride in teaching his children the value of hard work and making memories. The family spent weekends hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. He also spent time planning annual summer vacations to destinations across the US and Canada. After his grandkids came along, he spent time sharing his love of working with horses, making sure they experienced some of the things he did growing up.

Gary had a gift for working on engines be it tractors, cars, you name it. He loved a good story, auction, parade, and dessert. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, polka music, and visiting with friends and family. Above all, he cherished his family, and this was evident in his smile when they were around. 

Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn; children, Brenton (Teresa) Mertz, Heather Mertz, and Shonda Mertz; grandchildren, Ashley Herzig, Allison Mertz, and Brock Mertz; great-grandchildren, Easton Beeter, Chance Mertz, and Jayleigh Herzig; brothers, Ronald (Loretta), William (Carol), David (Sharon), Curtis (Linda), and Clarence (Nancy); sister, Lois; brothers-in-law, Terry (Millie) Miller and Joel Miller; sisters-in-law, Shirley Mertz, Marlene Grate, and Virginia (Marlin) Bachler. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Allen, Whelan, and Arlin; sisters, Darliss Laib, Glennis Muscha, and Melita Rose Mertz; brothers-in-law, Elmer Laib, Bennie Muscha, and Robert Miller; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Miller.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ND Western Honor Flight (https://westernndhf.org) or the ND Special Olympics (https://specialolympicsnd.org).