Gerald Edward Mertes passed peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by the love he spent a lifetime giving. He lived a full and generous life, marked by kindness, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

Born on March 22, 1936, Gerald was a man who believed deeply in the value of hard work and honest living. Jerry enjoyed a long and successful career as a marine diesel engineer on the Great Lakes. He lived fully and generously, guided by quiet strength, steady dedication, and a deep appreciation for the people and passions that shaped his days.

Beyond his career, Jerry found great joy in building and flying model airplanes, a pastime that perfectly blended his mechanical talent with his sense of wonder. Nothing delighted him more than sharing this passion with his grandchildren; patiently teaching and encouraging curiosity. These moments, filled with laughter and learning, became cherished memories for them all.

He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a cherished grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and a loyal friend. His steady presence, gentle humor, and quiet wisdom will be profoundly missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared so freely.

Jerry was predeceased by the love of his life, Mary Theresa Mertes, whose memory he carried with him always. Their life together was one of devotion, partnership, and enduring love, a bond that time could not diminish. Their story now continues beyond this life.

He is survived by a family who adored him, Daughter’s; Kathryn Mertes-Bradley (Lawrence), Linda Mertes-Hawkes (Kevin), Wendy Mertes-Cappell (Mitchell), Jeri-Lynn Mertes-Vogan (Nigel), Nicole Mertes-Guerin (Patrick). Grandchildren; Rebecca Hamilton, Jessica Hawkes, Kristina Yungblut, Tyler Cappell, Jesse Cappell, Dillon Cappell, Brody Kilts, Maggie Kilts, Reilly Guerin, Kirk Vogan, Liam Vogan, Aiden Vogan, Allison Bradley. Great Grandchildren; Olivia Yungblut, Julia Yungblut, Clara Yungblut, Xavier Hamilton, Emerson Hamilton, Makenna Kilts, Edward Crawford, and Jak Buckland. Brother’s; Donald Mertes (Barbara), predeceased John Mertes (Millie). And many nieces and nephews.

Thank you, Dad for the memories that will be treasured forever, and a life story that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Bye for now…

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