David "Doc" Mertz

David R. "Doc" Mertz, age 72, of Early, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake, Iowa.

According to his wishes, David was cremated. There will be no services at this time.

Born March 11, 1938, in Iowa City, Iowa, David was the son of Daniel and Sarah (Smith) Mertz. He grew up and received his education in Fonda, graduating from high school in 1956. He served in the United States Army from 1956-60.

On April 7, 1962, David was united in marriage to Sheryl Westcott at the United Methodist Church in Newell, Iowa. They were blessed with two daughters, Janna and Stacey. The family lived in Newell while David worked at the creamery selling milk, and later at Western Auto in Storm Lake. In 1969, they moved to the farm between Nemaha and Early, and David worked on a dairy farm, and at Lyle Standard and North 66 as a mechanic. In 1983, the couple made their home in Early while David worked at Bil Mar until retiring in 2001 at the age of 62. David enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening and hunting. He loved animals and took much pride raising numerous goats, sheep, and rabbits.

Survivors include his wife, Sheryl of Early; two daughters, Janna Mertz of South Sioux City, NE, and Stacey Wunsch of Johnston; and two grandchildren, Connor and Carter Wunsch of Johnston. He is also survived by five sisters, Viola McCullough of Sioux City, Fern Marron of Storm Lake, Vivian (Gene) Bunnelle of Aurora, CO, Loretta Boettcher of Waterloo, and Shirley (Myron) McClurg of Montezuma; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Elaine Miller; his parents-in-law, Virgil and Beulah Westcott; a niece, Joyce Nielsen; and four brothers-in-law, Jim McCullough, Gerald Miller, Art Boettcher, and Duke Marron.