Robert Mertz 05/10/2025

With deep sorrow, we announce that Robert Dale Mertz, 76, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025. Bob ascended to heaven with his wife, Susan (née Pfeifer), steadfastly by his side at their home in River Falls, WI.

Born in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1948 to Elsie (née Zak) and Elmer Mertz, Bob was raised in a modest home where he shared a room with his older brother, Allan. Their brotherly bond lasted into adulthood, as the two continued to speak by phone every week—every Sunday at 5 p.m. sharp, to be precise.

Bob grew up learning the value of long hours and a strong work ethic. He worked feverishly on George Fuller’s farm under the hot summer sun, coming home each day a little tired, a little sunburned, and a lot stronger.

His passion for hard work and physical strength was matched by his love for all things electronic. Upon graduating from high school, Bob attended DeVry University, where he honed his skills in radio technology and electronic equipment. He was soon hired by AT&T. With the expansion of the war in Vietnam, and after a six-month delayed entry to continue working, he was drafted into the Army in 1969 and sent overseas. His training at DeVry served him well during his time in the Signal Corps. Upon returning to the States in 1972, he resumed his employment with AT&T and remained there until his retirement in 2003. Afterward, he continued to use his skills in his post-retirement role in the electrical department at Home Depot.

During his service in Vietnam, Bob made a few close friends he remained in touch with throughout his life. As for Vietnam itself—he often commented on his time in Cam Ranh Bay, sharing, too many times to count, that it had once been designated the most beautiful beach in the world.

Bob met Sue in 1972, introduced by mutual friends. They fell in love and married in 1973. Bob became a stepfather to her four-year-old son, Jason Ferreira (Xochitl).

Bob and Sue settled in the small town of Lee, Illinois, where they had two children, Ehren (Corie) and Robin (Danny). While Bob’s work at AT&T sometimes required long commutes by train to downtown Chicago or Plano, he was most content working locally, embedding himself in the Lee community. There, he served as a volunteer firefighter, built additions onto the family home, constructed an above-ground pool for the kids, attended school activities, and spent time with dear friends.

Whether teaching Ehren how to master basketball skills in the driveway or on the court, Bob always pushed him to be the best player he could be—never letting up, never giving an inch. This education extended to carpentry, yard work, and life in general—invaluable lessons passed from father to son.

Bob was always there for his daughter, Robin. Theirs was a very special bond. After Robin and her family moved back from California, they spent a summer living with Bob and Sue. Later, the roles reversed when Bob and Sue moved in with Robin’s family while their new house was being built. One unique father-daughter adventure included a road trip to Montana. The two spent time listening to Journey, hiking, and—characteristically—Bob only let Robin drive for one hour of the entire round trip.

The Mertz family spent many happy summers at Rice Lake in northern Minnesota. Bob and Sue eventually bought property on nearby Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids, MN, and built a small but sturdy shed near the water. After retiring in 2003, they built their first dream home on that land, overlooking their property and the lake below. It was a beautiful house—but more importantly, it was their “cozy lake cabin,” witness to beautiful sunrises and sunsets, snowfalls and loon calls.

There, they spent countless hours boating, kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, and hosting their friends, kids, and grandkids.

While some couples prefer candlelit dinners and dancing, Bob and Sue nurtured their love on the land—building gardens, grooming the property, and constructing retaining walls (only to tear some down and rebuild them several years later). Their shared passion for working and improving their estate made them as compatible as a couple could ever be.

Bob found peace in the northern woods, where he enjoyed felling trees that leaned too far or were perishing. Not content to let a tree fall where it may, he used his trusty Stihl chainsaw and come-along to meticulously manage each drop location. He always wore a proud grin when a tree landed within inches of his intended mark, the massive thud shaking the ground across their five-acre lot.

A proud grandfather, Bob beamed when his grandson Jackson announced he was joining the Marines. It was a great source of pride, and several prayers were sent to God to keep Jackson—and all soldiers—out of harm’s way.

Bob was also deeply proud of his granddaughter Avery, who began her career in the medical field, dedicating her life to helping others. He had hoped to live long enough to attend Avery and Andy’s wedding this August. He will still be there—as a loving spirit—watching over them and wishing them well in their life together.

Having inherited his father’s love and talent for woodworking, Bob was delighted to craft a bookshelf for his granddaughter Samantha when her passion for reading required more space. When her collection of books outgrew that first bookshelf, he rushed to his basement workshop to build a second. This past year, when Samantha volunteered as a basketball team manager, Bob supported her by watching several of her high school games and sharing his feedback about the games — and more importantly – his thoughts on the halftime music. A huge fan of Marvel movies, Sam convinced Bob and Sue to watch all 36 films with her—an ambitious undertaking that, sadly, will remain forever incomplete.

Bob never missed a chance to support his granddaughter Raleigh. He attended every theater production, volleyball, basketball, and softball game. Even in his final weeks, he was watching her play softball via streaming on the TV, as Sue lovingly narrated the games while he rested. Raleigh knows that Bob will continue to watch her play and cheer her on in all she does.

Bob and Sue also treasured hosting Jason and Xochitl’s twins, Ayari and Quetzalli, at their Grand Rapids home a few summers ago—watching them splash in the water and explore the sprawling woods at the lake cabin. It was a summer of memories.

In his final weeks, Bob rested in the new home he and Sue built in Wisconsin—their second dream home. Sue became his caregiver and protector. Love was shined upon them both by their new River Falls neighbors, the church community at Ezekiel, and their former Grand Rapids church, St. Andrew’s. Bob was visited by a ceaseless caravan of family, including his brother and his partner, his children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. His Army buddies and Illinois friends also reached out to share fond memories from a prior era and to wish him peace in his final days.

Bob lived a life of profound faith. He was a regular churchgoer and volunteer, attended Bible study, and read scripture in search of answers to life’s more complicated questions.

He has all those answers now.

As we say farewell to Robert Mertz, we know that in his absence, the north woods will be a little more overgrown. The trees will lean a little too far. His now-retired chainsaw will forever make the woods a little too silent.

After a courageous yet brief battle with cancer, Bob has peacefully returned to his loving parents, Elsie and Elmer, and to the enduring Kingdom of God, where, as a servant of the Lord, he is likely being called upon to groom the forests of heaven.

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May he rest in eternal peace, knowing he was deeply loved and is dearly missed.

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In lieu of flowers, do as Bob did. Go for a walk in the woods. Listen to the chirping birds. Witness the beautiful deer and majestic eagles. Spend time with your family. And—because tomorrow is not guaranteed—take a moment to thank God for every glorious day on Earth.