Bernard J. Mertz, 89

Bernard J. Mertz, 89, of Botkins, passed away at 5:58 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at Mercy Health- St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

He was born on Jan. 5, 1931 in St. Patrick to John F. and Catherine (Behr) Mertz who preceded him in death. On May 25, 1955, he married Rosetta K. Wagner and she survives.

Survivors include three children: David ( Jean Ann) Mertz of Wapakoneta, Janice (Dave) Lonsdale of Columbus and Jane (Kenneth) Braun of Wapakoneta; six grandchildren: Emilia (Adam) Baker, Megan (Ryan) McGrath, Amy (Zach) Wilson, Jessica ( Josh) Muhlenkamp, Thomas (Samantha) Braun and Bobbi Jo (Andy) Bendele; four great-grandchildren: Brynn Baker, Payton Bendele, Lily Bendele and Violet Bendele; siblings: Adeline Mertz C.P.P. S of Dayton and Patrick Mertz of Clermont, Florida; brother and sister-in-laws Alvera Mertz of Coldwater, Joyce Wagner of Cridersville, Clarence Wagner of Marietta, Oklahoma and Rita Reigelsperger of Uniopolis.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Mertz, Charles (Alma) Mertz, Thomas Mertz and infant brother John; sisters Theresa (Stanley) Fiely and Margaret (Herbert) Quinter; sisters-in-law Marcena Wagner and Victoria Wagner and brothers-in-law Leo Wagner, Richard (Phyllis) Wagner, Harold (Donna) Wagner and Paul Reigelsperger.

Benny attended Fort Loramie High School and served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Crown after 30 years of service. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Fryburg. Benny enjoyed gardening, fishing and helping his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2:30 p.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church, Fryburg with Rev. Sean Wilson officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites performed by the VFW Post 8445. Family and friend may call from noon to 2 p.m. at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at SchlosserFuneralHome.com.