Richard H. Mertes, age 71, Merrill, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 at Ministry Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill.
Richard was born Oct. 16, 1940, the son of Emmet and Hattie (Modrzejewski) Mertes. Richard served with the U.S. Army.He later worked as a taxi cab driver in both Antigo and Wausau, he worked many years for Nicklaus Enterprises and also worked for Marathon Battery. Richard was a jack of all trades, he enjoyed his coffee and shooting the bull, he also enjoyed old cars, going to rummage sales and collecting clocks. Richard and Alice Lemke were married June 18, 1977 in Wausau.
Survivors include: his wife, Alice Mertes, Merrill; step father John (Gladys) Lake, Wausau; step father-in-law John Sporri, Forrest City, Iowa; life long friend Russel Mirek; son Donald Lee Mertes, Wausau; grandchildren, Jessica (John) Gutowski, Woodhaven, TN, Mattie Houe, Wausau; great grandson Johnithan Gutowski, TN; half sister Christine (John) Dalum, Whiting, WI; half brother Kevin (Cindy) Lewis, Sun Praire, WI. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Mertes.
Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Bible Presbyterian Church, Merrill. The Rev. Robert Smallman will officiate. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.