James "Mert" L. Mertes

James Leon Mertes, “Mert”, 77, Wausau passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Mert was born March 6, 1944 in Wausau, son of the late Joseph and Wanda (Scutkowski) Mertes.  He graduated from Wausau High School in 1963 where he met Geralyn LaVake.  They were married on October 31, 1964 at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau.  Mert worked at Hammer Blow Tool, retiring after 37 years in 2006.

Mert enjoyed life! He was lighthearted and always had a witty word or remark to lighten any mood or bring a laugh!  Growing up he loved picking nightcrawlers and fishing with his buddy Tom Holzem.  He loved summers at the family cottage fishing and relaxing.  In his younger years you could often find Mert and Geri spending Thursday nights shooting pool or cheering on their long-time buddy Charlie Schoenfeld.  Mert and Charlie enjoyed fall gun deer seasons together as well. He spent many hours, nickels, dimes and quarters playing games of Sheepshead.  Mert enjoyed cooking for his family. He was an avid history buff especially loving World War II.

Mert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geralyn Mertes, son Jason and daughter-in-law, Michelle Mertes, granddaughter, Rachel Mertes, grandson’s, Tyler and Colin Mertes, all of Wausau, brother and sister-in-law, LeRoy and Sandi LaVake, Tomahawk, brother-in-law, Michael LaVake, Wausau, sister-in-law, Tonya LaVake, Bettendorf, IA and many nieces and nephews.  Mert is further survived by his companion, Tigger, his cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Wanda Mertes, sister, Lorraine Hunsicker, brother Warren Mertes and his son, Shane Mertes.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston.  The Rev. Lance Hoelscher will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  Social distancing guidelines will be in place as well as facemasks required by everyone who will attend.  The service will be recorded and will be available to view at a later date on the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home website.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com