Charles E. Mertz

Charles E. Mertz, Sr., 89, of Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County, died Wednesday, January 10, 2018, in his residence surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Lennia A. (Angstadt) Mertz. They were married May 30 1953.  Born in Richmond Township, he was a son of the late Paul K. and Hattie M. (Kerchner) Mertz.  Mr. Mertz was a member of  Zion's Union Church, Kutztown. He honorably and faithfully served his country as a sergeant first class in the United States Army, with service during the Korean War.  He was employed as an assembler for Caloric Corporation, at its former Topton plant for over 42 years until his retirement. Charles was a member of Old Time Plow Boys, Kutztown; Kutztown Fire Company; he was a charter member of Kutztown Hobos.  He loved hunting, farming, attending public sales, going to flea markets, and playing dominoes.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Lennia, there is a son, Charles E. Mertz, Jr., Kutztown; daughter, Cynthia A. (Mertz) wife of Earl A. Bower, Jr., Kutztown.  Other survivors include grandchildren, Jesse E. husband of Laura L. (Wessner) Christman; and Jordan E. Christman; and a great granddaughter, Abigail L. Christman.  Charles was predeceased by a granddaughter, Desiree L. Christman; a sister, Lillian R. (Mertz) Queman; and a brother, Russell P. Mertz.

A funeral service to celebrate Charles's life will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, with Reverend Jeffrey J. Butz officiating.  Interment with Military Honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, and Pennsylvania Military Honors, Fort Indiantown Gap, will follow in Zion Maxatawny Union Cemetery, Kutztown.  Relatives and friends may call Monday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the church.

The family requests contributions be made in memory of Charles to Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, PA 19530.  On-line condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com