Amy Lynn Mettlach

Amy Lynn Mettlach (née Merritt), 58, passed away at home suddenly on October 4, 2022 in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was a beloved mother, sister, teacher, and a friend to many.

Amy was born to John Frederic (Fred) and Laura Jane Merritt in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on October 11, 1963.  Her passion for education and teaching were evident at an early age; as a kindergartner, she played “teacher” to her younger sister, Laura Beth, sharing the lessons she had learned in the many schools she attended (With each of Fred’s job promotions, the family relocated often, living in Andover, Massachusetts; Moonachie, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; North Olmsted, Ohio; and Westerville, Ohio.)  After graduating from Westerville South High School in 1981, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in English/Secondary Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and received her Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 1994.

Her teaching career spanned several decades and several states; she taught English to high school students in Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin over the years.  At the time of her death, she was the Director of curriculum at Newman Catholic Schools in Wausau. Her quick wit, compassion, and commitment to providing students of all backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life made her a beloved educator to many.

While teaching in Virginia, Amy met Thomas Scott Mettlach.  They wed in 1991 and had their first son, James Thomas, in 1995; Jason Merritt was born two years later, in 1997.  Amy took a hiatus from teaching to raise her two boys but returned to the classroom once Jason was in grade school.  Amy and Tom divorced amicably years later but remained friends up until her death.

Her passion for education was surpassed only by her passion for motherhood.  She was a devoted and loving mother to her two sons, taking them on family vacations and supporting their interests and hobbies throughout childhood and adolescents. When James’ and Jason’s educational and career pursuits led them out west in recent years, she always provided them with a comfortable home to return to over holidays and time off, and she stayed connected with them through regular care packages and weekly correspondence.

Amy is preceded in death by her parents, John Frederic Merritt and Laura Jane Merritt (née Andrews) and several aunts, uncles, and a cousin.  She is survived by her sons, James Thomas (Farrah) Mettlach of Lakewood, Washington and Jason Merritt Mettlach of Salt Lake City, Utah; former husband Thomas Scott Mettlach, of Neenah, Wisconsin; sisters Laura Beth (Brady) Sines of Draper, Utah and Martha Jane Merritt of Chicago, Illinois; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wausau.  The Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.