Donald G. Mertz

Donald G. Mertz, 86, of Maxatawny Township, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 19, 2024 in his residence. He was the husband of Kay S. (Masters) Mertz, whom he married on May 16, 1970.

Born in the village of Hancock, Longswamp Township, PA, Donald was the son of the late George P. and Miriam M. (Rohrbach) Mertz and was a 1956 graduate of Kutztown Area High School. Donald honorably and faithfully served his country in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Donald was employed by the former Schaefer Brewing Co. and Stroh Brewing Co. in Fogelsville, from 1972 until his retirement in 2001, working on their production line as a bottle and can filler. Over the years, Donald collected every type of beer can that was manufactured at the brewery. He had also been previously employed by East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Quaker Maid Kitchens, Inc., and Polymer Plastics.

He was a member of Zion's Union Church Maxatawny, where he previously served on the church board and was a former member of their dart ball team. Donald was also a former softball coach for Kutztown Youth Athletic Association for many years. He enjoyed quoiting, hunting, target shooting, and building, flying and repairing model airplanes. He was a member of the former Tri-County Wing Snappers Model Airplane Club.

Along with wife of 54 years, Kay; Donald is survived by his two daughters, Melissa K. (Mertz), wife of Trevor L. DeLong, Mertztown, and Elizabeth F. (Mertz), wife of Eric K. Hassler, Mohrsville; four grandchildren, Lauren A. (DeLong), wife of Noah T. Kayhart, Katelyn E. DeLong, Samatha K. Hassler and Bradley K. Hassler; and one great-grandson, Xavier L. Kayhart. Along with his parents, Donald was predeceased by his sister, Barbara A. (Mertz) Conrad in 1998.

A funeral service to celebrate and honor Donald's life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, PA, with The Reverend Melissa Burkhart officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining Zion's Maxatawny Union Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, PA  19530. Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.