Dennis J. "Mertz" Mortorelli

Dennis "Mertz" John Mortorelli, 81 passed away on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

He was born on October 6th, 1944, in Ironwood, Michigan to Americo "Mertz" Mortorelli and Betty Mortorelli, and moved to Superior, Wisconsin in 1952. Dennis graduated from Superior Cathedral High School in 1963 and from the University of Wisconsin – Superior in 1968, where he played football and was a member of the Phi-Sig Fraternity.

After graduating from UWS, Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army, and honorably served his country, including two years in Germany. Dennis married Shari Ann Lusk in 1969 in Duluth, and they had three children, Scott, Stacey, and Shawna. He was employed by General Motors in finance for over 30 years and retired in 2000.

Dennis had two primary passions: family and sports, often combining the two. He coached his children's little league baseball, basketball, and softball teams for many, many years. Dennis took a great deal of pride in coaching his children and other local kids and made a huge impact on all their lives. He was an avid sports fan as well and particularly enjoyed watching football. After retirement, Dennis enjoyed playing golf with friends as much as he was able but being with family was always his favorite pastime.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tom.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shari; his son, Scott (Angie) Mortorelli; his daughters, Stacey (Corey) Verhel and Shawna (Wade) Kish; his grandchildren, Alexis, Logan, and Lucas Mortorelli; Parker and Savanna Verhel; and Gianna and Mila Kish; his sister, Jackie (Tom) Reichardt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N. 34th St., Superior, WI

Memorials are preferred, they will be used support The Mertz Mortorelli Scholarship Fund in memory of Dennis.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N. 34th St., Superior, WI

Military honors will be accorded by the Richard I Bong American Legion Post #435.