John MERMER

MERMER John (Jack) Perrysburg, OH "I didn't fare so badly. Hey, I got the girl: Linda, my loving wife of 49 years. We had 5 fantastic kids; David, who married Becca. Suzie, who wed Brian Miller; and Heidi, who I am meeting up with currently and for eternity! Sally married Thom Singer and Matt wed Savi. I couldn't have picked better spouses for my children. In addition, there are all those beautiful grandchildren and a great grandson, to boot. We have Dave to thank for Jeremy, Tiffany, John, Skyle, Austin, and Caleb. Suzie brought Olivia, CJ and Francie into our world. Matt is accountable for Lilly, Anika and Kira. The last is Gunner, our only great grandson. Thank you, Tiffany and Randy for this red-headed ball of fire. They all helped to keep me young with their laughter and love." For Jack Mermer, life began and ended with family. But he never got a chance to finish his obituary and story of family. Our dear husband, father, uncle and friend died Wednesday, October 27th, 2010, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. Jack was born in Pittsburgh, the son of Marcella and Stanley Mermer on August 17th, 1937. A lifelong Catholic, Jack was a parishioner at St. Joe's, Maumee, St. Pat's of Grand Rapids and then at St. Rose, Perrysburg. Jack actively spread the good word through his efforts on behalf of teenage retreats, Cursillo, CHIRP, and in any other way he could. Until several weeks ago, he and Linda tutored kids at Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, many of whom sent him well wishes and love notes upon hearing of his illness. Jack's professional life went hand in hand with his personal charisma. He loved people---all kinds-and he used his life insurance and financial planning business as a way to meet and help people. His colleagues at Pilot Life and Mass Mutual formed a big part of his life. Jack had spunk and spirit, even in times of tragedy. When two of his best buddies came to see Jack this week, the Hospice nurse said: "Jack, there are two gentlemen here to see you, Jack said, without pause:" I don't know any gentlemen, but send 'em in." Jack, himself, was a true gentleman-and a bit of a bull dog when something needed to be done. No project was too big, or too small. This can-do spirit and tenacity served him until the very end of his life, when he met pain without complaint and openly expressed gratitude for the vibrant life and love he relished. He was great with a potato launcher and famous for his 5-egg broom trick! A source of endless delight to his grandchildren, Jack was known as "Ropey" and Captain of the SS "Floats A Lot" on the muddy Maumee. In addition to Linda and his children, Jack leaves behind his brother, Bill (Dia), and daughters Amanda and Ashley Mermer. He was a loving uncle to Gary (Bobi), Ken (Julie), Allison (Greg), Heather (Steve) and their children. He was also a loving "brother" to sister-in-law, Carol McNair, and son-in-law to Dorothy Van Asdale...Jack also leaves behind many special friends, whose support has been unswerving. His sense of humor is one that will live on forever in the hearts of all---even those who didn't always understand it. Jack will keep us laughing...... Visitation will be from 4-9 P.M. on Monday, November 1, 2010, at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E South Boundary, Perrysburg, where a Scripture Service will begin Monday evening after 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:15am on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at St. Rose Church, 215 E Front Street, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to St. Rose Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH, 43551.