Richard John Merz

Richard John Merz

Born to Eternal Life on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the age of 87 years. Beloved husband united in marriage to Shirley (nee Schricker) Merz for over 60 years. Loving father of Steven Merz, Linda (Thomas) Fliss, Edward (Amanda) Merz and Joseph Merz. Proud grandfather of Jacob (Crystle) Fliss and Kyle (Samantha) Fliss, great-grandfather of Alexandria and Bryce Fliss and step-grandfather of Joshua Wrezinski and Justin Wrezinski. Fond brother of Leonard (Marge) Merz of Woodinville, Washington. Further survived by many other family and friends. Preceded in death by his grandson Anthony Fliss; sisters Mary Pruett and Jeanette Repetowski; and brothers Robert Merz and Anthony Merz.

Richard's family will meet with relatives and friends on Friday, September 1, 2017, from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, all at St. Mary Catholic Church, N89 W16297 Cleveland Avenue, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Interment with military honors to follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Following the interment, a reception will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church Hall.

Richard was a proud alumnus of St. Michael Catholic Grade School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended Milwaukee Boy's Tech High School, graduating in 1948.

From 1953 to 1955, Richard was a Radio Operator at the Panama Canal for the United States Army. At that time, he was also a projectionist for the Caribbean Army and Air Force Motion Picture Service providing entertainment for his fellow servicemen. He stayed on as an Army reservist until 1961, attaining the rank of corporal.

After leaving the Army to raise his growing family, Richard worked as an Electrician's Apprentice. He then worked as an Electrician for the City of Milwaukee Water Works, retiring in 1990 after 32 years of service.

Richard seemed to have a life long commitment of providing entertainment and comfort to others through his warm, light-hearted, and caring personality.

He enjoyed sharing his love for classic movies and old radio programs with family and friends. He especially liked the comedic talents of Jack Benny, Fibber McGee and Molly, and Buster Keaton to name a few. 

He was a devoted Catholic and practicing member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then St. Mary Catholic Church in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He had a life long commitment to donating to charitable organizations providing comfort to the poor, homeless, and many others in need until he became too ill.

Richard will be remembered for his kindness, patience, generosity and loving spirit. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace, Amen. 

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