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Eugene "Gene" Merz

1931 - 2019

BORN

1931

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave.

Brookfield, Wisconsin

Eugene Merz Obituary

Merz, S.J., Fr. Eugene "Gene" Fr. Merz was a member of the St. Camillus Jesuit Community and was called to eternal life at Zilber Hospice on January 16, 2019. He was 87 years old, a member of the Society of Jesus for 70 years, and a priest for 57 years. He received three Masters' Degrees: Education, Psychology, and Spiritual Theology. His ministry touched the minds, hearts, and spirits of priests, religious, and laywomen and laymen throughout the world with Ignatian Spirituality. He enriched people through prison ministry, Native American ministry, Jesuit formation ministry, diocesan renewal programs, Jesuit renewal ministry, Jesuit Higher Education, international retreats, directed retreats as well as preached retreats, and Spiritual Direction. Fr. Merz was born on April 19, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI. He attended St. Sebastian Grade School and Marquette High School. Upon his graduation from high school, he entered the Society of Jesus at Florissant, MO on August 15, 1948. He was ordained at Gesu Church on June 15, 1961. His parents, Frank and Alice Merz, as well as his sister, Mary Alyce Moritz, predeceased him. He is survived by a brother-in-law, by nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. There will be a wake on Friday, January 25 at the San Camillo Chapel, 10200 Bluemound Road from 4:00-7:00pm with an opportunity for sharing at 5:00pm and a closing reflection at 7:00pm. His funeral will be on Saturday, January 26 at Gesu Church, 1245 W. Wisconsin Avenue. There will be a viewing from 9:00-10:30am with Mass at 10:30 am. Fr. Merz has donated his body to the Medical College of Wisconsin after his funeral Mass. Memorials may be sent to the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, 1010 N. Hooker St., Chicago, IL 60642 with a notation, "In Memory of Fr. Gene Merz, S.J."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jan. 20 to Jan. 23, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Merz

Sponsored by BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME.

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Tom Bachhuber

August 20, 2021

Gene, I sadly got to know you later in life. Your kindness, warmth and generosity in helping me and my work was God's grace. I'm forever grateful.

Patricia Gates

May 29, 2019

Fr. Merz was a great man of God. He helped many people. Sorry to find out he is gone for his family

Sister Maryellen Tierney

January 24, 2019

Be assured of my prayerful sympathy to the family, the Jesuit community and the many friends of Gene. May his soul rest in peace with the God who he loved and served so well. Sr. Maryellen Tierney

Sister Maryellen Tierney

January 24, 2019

Be assured of my prayerful sympathy to Gene's family, the Jesuit Community and his many friends on the loss of this dear man. Gene was a special gift in my life for 50 years as a friend and spiritual director. May his dear soul rest in peace with the God who he loved and served so faithfully.

Virginia Kaja

January 22, 2019

What a beautiful example of a Godlike person. I guess God was ready for him. Well done my son you made many believe in me and saved many to share my kingdom. May you rest in His peace.

January 22, 2019

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. Psalm 90:10

CH.

January 22, 2019

So sorry to hear of your loss may your family and friends draw comfort from God's words

January 21, 2019

Grief can be so very hard, but our special memories can help us cope. Remember your loved one today and always.(1 Corinthians 15:26)

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Memorial Events
for Eugene Merz

Jan

25

Wake

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

San Camillo Chapel

10200 Bluemound Road, WI

Jan

26

Viewing

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Gesu Church

1245 W. Wisconsin Avenue, WI

Jan

26

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

Gesu Church

1245 W. Wisconsin Avenue, WI

Funeral services provided by:

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

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