Harold E Mertz

Harold E. Mertz, 91, of Baileyville, died Tuesday at Provena St. Joseph Home in Freeport. Harold was born December 28, 1918 in Ogle County, Illinois, the son of Edgar and Eva (Hammer) Mertz. On December 23, 1942 Harold married Alta M. Janssen in Ogle County. Harold worked on his family farm for over 50 years in Ogle County. He was a member of Faith Evangelical Church in Forreston. Family was a very important part of his life especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Alta Mertz of Baileyville, one son, Richard (Sandra) Mertz of Baileyville, two daughters; Barbara (John) Ott of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, Susan (Terry) Mueller of Grand Junction, Colorado, four grandchildren; Wendy (Troy) Derrer of Lanark, Il, Michelle (Chad) Griffith of Baileyville, Jennifer (David) Spencer of Rockford and Elizabeth Ott of Madison, Wisconsin, also surviving are four great grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. Funeral Services will be Saturday 10:30 A.M. at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Forreston with Pastor Susie M. Hill officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at the Church. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo, Illinois. A memorial has been established in his memory.