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Catherine Merz Obituary
Catherine O. Merz, 96, Blandon, passed away Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, at 12:01 a.m., in her residence.
She was the widow of the Rev. Albert Merz, a United Methodist minister and retired Army chaplain, who passed away in 1997.
Born in Barnesboro, she was a daughter of the late Martin and Margaret (Woodley) Lamer.
Catherine was a lay ordained minister, serving churches in western Pennsylvania. She also was a teacher in Pennsylvania schools, Sapporo Mission School in Sapporo, Japan, and the DOD school in Chitose, Japan.
She was a chaplain in the Fleetwood Senior Citizens and a Sunday school teacher in the Fleetwood Emmanuel United Methodist Church.
Catherine was a devoted member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Fleetwood.
Survivors include a daughter, Judy A (Merz) Gauker, wife of Larry K. Gauker, Blandon; two grandchildren, Christie L. (Gauker) Thornhill, Salisbury, Md.; and Lisa K. Gauker, Blandon; and two brothers, Warren Lamer, Mims, Fla.; and Martin Lamer, Warren, Mich.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 26 W. Washington St., Fleetwood, with the Rev. George Sackett officiating. Burial will be in Berks County Memorial Gardens. Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Milkins Giles Funeral Home Inc., 4914 Kutztown Road, Temple, and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice to benefit people in need. Online condolences may be made at www.milkinsgiles.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Merz
4 Entries
Connie Perez-Chosky
November 9, 2010
I will always have happy memories of Aunt Catherine's visits to Pittsburgh and our visits to Blandon. I most especially enjoyed writing letters back and forth with Aunt Catherine because it was a personal way to communicate with her that allowed her personality to shine through.
November 9, 2010
Aunt Catherine was a wonderful, caring person. Being the christian that she was, she always seemed to care for the needs and feelings of others. Our lives have been blest because of her. We love you Aunt Catherine. RIP
Warren & Lola
Christie (Gauker) Thornhill
November 8, 2010
My grandmother was a sweet, giving woman. Please donate the money you would have spent on flowers to a charity of your liking. She would've done the same and would appreciate donations instead of flowers, for that was who she was. - Christie
November 8, 2010
There was a unique lady and serious Christian. It was easy to learn what she believed and the depth of her faith.
We met in the army in Japan in 1967, and maintained a family like relationship ever since. I fear there will never be another just like her.
Becky and Gary White
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