Gary W. Mertz, the son of Carl and Lucy (Roof) Mertz was born July 24, 1955 at Red Oak, Iowa. He passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 60 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Gary lived his entire life in Red Oak. He graduated from Red Oak High School in l973. During his high school summer years, Gary worked for the school and Red Oak parks department. He then worked 20 years at J.D. Café and later with CDS, the Firehouse restaurant and Java Joint Café. Gary loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed time spent at home watching old western movies.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Terry.

Gary is survived by his siblings: Dorothy McKinney of Longmont, CO, Steve Mertz of Red Oak, IA, Paul Mertz and wife Jennifer of Red Oak, IA and Pamela Parker of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Celebration of Life Service will be held

Friday, February 26, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

At the First Baptist Church, Red Oak

Rev. Len Taylor, Officiating

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday evening at the First Baptist Church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Family request memorials in lieu of flowers to the family.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is assisting the family with cremation services.