Oliver J. "Ollie" Merz Jr.

Oliver J. "Ollie" Merz, Jr., age 83, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014, peacefully at home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., with Pastor Greg Bjornstad officiating. To celebrate Ollie's life, friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post 6. Oliver was born on June 6, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Oliver J. and Mary (Garrett) Merz, Sr. Ollie was a lifelong resident of Dubuque. He served with the U.S. Navy during Korea where he earned a Silver Star Medal. He married Rae M. Bisdorf on July 23, 1954, in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on October 12, 2012. Ollie was employed at Trausch Baking Company as a route driver for 33 years until his retirement in 1994. He served on the board for the Dubuque Area Harvest Labor. Ollie was a former member of the Teamsters and the American Legion Dubuque Post 6. In his younger days he enjoyed camping and fishing. Ollie was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He also enjoyed trying his luck at the Dog Track and the Casino. Ollie is survived by, his children, Doris (Don) Capaul, Epworth, IA, Pat Root, Dubuque, IA, Beth (Mike Ashby) Hanson, Dubuque, IA, John (Sandy) Merz, Buffalo, MN, Greg Merz, Cedar Rapids, IA, his step-daughter, Rhonda (Art) Hanson, Waterloo, IA, his grandchildren, Michelle Hoppmann, Benjamin Root, Joey Merz, Libby Root, Luke Merz, Allie Merz and Chris Hanson, his great-grandchildren, Haley, Courtney and Caitlin Hoppmann, his step-granddaughter, Amanda (Tim Hasbrouk) Schmit his step-great-grandchildren, Tori Schmit, Courtney Brady, Rylee and Jordan Hasbrouk, his brothers, Terry, Dennis and Donald, his sisters, Dian, Gloria, Beverly, Carol, Nancy, Sue and Janice, and several nieces and nephews. Ollie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rae M. Merz, 2 daughters, Kathy Jo in infancy and Sherry Merz, 2 grandchildren, his brother Joe Merz, his step-brother, Bob and his step-sister, Betty. In lieu of flowers, an Oliver J. "Ollie" Merz, Jr. memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com.