William J Mertz

William J. Mertz, 78, formerly of Kutztown, and recently a resident at The Lutheran Home at Topton, died Sunday, January 4, 2009 in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center where he was a patient since December 28, 2008.

Born in Kutztown, PA, he was a son of the late John P. and Mildred M. (Rahn) Mertz. He was a member of Christ Mertz Lutheran Church, Dryville. He proudly and honorably served his country as a US Army veteran. He along with his brother, John C. owned and operated Mertz Brothers Dairy Farm, Maxatawny Township for over 40 years. He was a 1948 graduate of Kutztown Area High School. He was a member of Kutztown Fire Company, No. 1.

He is survived by Sister, Betty M. (Mertz) wife of Charles R. Kissling, Sinking Spring; Brothers, Richard J. husband of Ann Marie (Gernert) Mertz, Mertztown, John C. husband of Raelyn A. (Mengel) Mertz, Kutztown, Barry L. Mertz, Sinking Spring. There are several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Memorial Services are Saturday, January 10, 2009, 11:00 AM from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown. Inurnment is private at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Saturday, 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

The family requests contributions be made to American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Avenue, Reading, 19605. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.