John G. Mertz

John G. Mertz
John G. Mertz, 91, of Erie and formerly of Kane, passed away Wednesday April 30, 2025. He was born in Kane, PA on March 13, 1934 a son of the late Leo B. and June Schreiber Mertz.
John graduated from Kane High School in 1952 and went on to graduate from Williamsport Technical School. He served in the United States Army and worked at Tennessee Gas and National Transit. He went on to work for his father in law at Steve Novosel Lumber before owning his own log skidder. Most recently, he owned Mertz Insurance Agency until his retirement. He was a member of St. Callistus Catholic Church where he served as head usher, the Kane Elks, and the Mount Jewett Veterans Memorial Club. John was a wonderful father and devoted his life to his family. He loved spending time outdoors, especially at Twin Lakes, cross country skiing, fishing, and feeding the birds. He also enjoyed watching cowboy and war movies.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Barbara J. Novosel Mertz (2015); one son, Steven Mertz (1988); one daughter, Julie Feikls (2004); and his sister, Marlene Rose (2008).
Survivors include his daughter, Lori Braun (Rob) of Erie; four grandchildren, Sarah Gibson (Chris), Allison Braun, Justin Feikls (Jamie), and John Feikls; three great granddaughters, Sofia Zazado, Eva Rauch, and Luetta Feikls; his son in law, Joseph Feikls (Josie) of Kane; his sister in law, Patty Gamble, of Kane; and many nieces and nephews, including Michael Gamble (Bev).
Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Callistus Catholic Church, 342 Chase St, Kane, PA 16735, on Tuesday August 5th at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Callistus Cemetery.
John's family would like to give special thanks to his neighbors, Kolbi Bergman and Ryan Lorenzo, for looking after John and their friendship.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Friends' Memorial Public Library, 230 Chase St., Kane, PA, 16735 or the Kane Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 66, Kane, PA, 16735.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.
Please visit http://www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to leave a condolence on John's Tribute Page.