Mary Merz

Mary Ida Vail Merz
Surrounded by her entire family, Mary was welcomed home by Jesus on 7 November 2025. Mary was born 4 April 1936 to Virgil and Ida (Simpson) Vail in Morrison, Illinois. She was the youngest of siblings Richard and Robert (Bud) Vail (both deceased), their father died in a tragic accident when Mary was 3 months old. She was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa by her mother and step-father Cecil Panther. With Mary's kind, joyful heart and wonderful sense of humor, she met some of her lifelong friends in grade school.
Mary graduated with honors from Franklin High School. She was very active in sports and school activities. She then attended Colorado University and met her future husband, Walter (Wally) Merz in freshman year. Married the following year, she started a family including son Walter (Fritz), daughters Kathy, Jenny and Gretchen. Mary was a stay at home mom while her children were little. She was involved in many school projects and adventures with her family and friends. Mary loved family camping, hiking and outdoor activities like skiing and tennis. She started a career in women's clothing when the children were in school, including buying, selling and eventually being a store owner partner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mary enjoyed travel both domestic and abroad, including 6 continents with her retirement concurrent with her husband, Wally in 1997. Both were also tennis enthusiasts and followed CU sports and activities. They enjoyed time at one of their happiest places, The Cabin. They worked on projects and had many expeditions at The Cabin with their loved ones. She loved reading and telling grand stories of her adventures. Mary leaves a beloved legacy of great mentorship, kindness, love, faith, hard work and helping others' dreams come true.
Mary is survived by husband Wally, children Walter (Fritz) and wife Inga Merz, Kathy (Merz) Anderson and husband Keith Anderson, Jenny (Merz) Franka and husband Steve Franka, Gretchen (Merz) Danner and husband Mark Danner and 11 grandchildren, 9 grandchildren in-laws and 17 great-grandchildren.