Elburne W Mertz

Elburne W. Mertz, age 75 of McNaughton, Wisconsin died on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at his residence. Elburne was born on February 3, 1937 in Coleman, Wisconsin the son of Lawrence and Alice (Williston) Mertz. He was raised in Crivitz, Wisconsin. Elburne’s second chance for life came on October 3, 2002 when he received a heart transplant. He married Joan Biely on August 8, 1959 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Elburne served as Scout Master of Woodruff Troop 564 for four years. He enjoyed the outdoors including hunting and forest management and took pride in sharing those interests with his children and grandchildren. During his 37 years with the Department of Natural Resources he managed the Thunder River Fish Hatchery at Crivitz and after transferring to Woodruff in 1969 was Fish Operations Coordinator of the North Central District and was project manager for the renovation of the Art Oehmke Fish Hatchery. He is survived by his wife, Joan Mertz of McNaughton, WI and Son, Craig Mertz of McNaughton, WI and Daughters: Christine (Frederick) Bierbaum of St. Cloud, FL and Arbor Vitae, WI; Michelle (Michael) Duhr, Colette (Allen) Gregory and Penny (Dale) Kuckkahn all of Lake Tomahawk, WI and by 11 Grandchildren: Jennifer (Andrew) Cator, Angela Mertz, Andrea Gregory, Janet (Edward) Rynders, Amber (Michael) Novotny, Jacey Winger, Jeffrey Gregory, Frederick Bierbaum Jr., Kyle Mertz, Philip Kuckkahn and Elaine Kuckkahn and by 10 Great Grandchildren. Further survived by his Brother, Clifford (Susan) Mertz of Crivitz and Sisters: Marie (Frank) Marecek of Black River Falls, WI and Mildred (Kenneth) Gould of Crivitz and Sisters-in-law, Linda Mertz of Crivitz, Juanita (Robert) Oswald of Mishicot, WI; Lois Biely of Crivitz and Sandra (John) Hryczek of Burlington, WI and was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lawrence Mertz. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, August 14th at 11:30 AM at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel with a memorial gathering from 10:30 AM till time of service. Inurnment will take place at Newbold Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Ministry Dr. Kate Hospice, Box 770, Woodruff, WI 54568; Second Chance for Life, POBox 131462, Roseville, MN 55113; Pastime Club, PO box 276, Minocqua, WI 54548 or charity of choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.