Obituary of Lauren Wallace Mertz

Lauren “Larry” Wallace Mertz, age 96 passed away Monday, May 10, 2021 at Covenant Healthcare-Cooper. Lauren was born July 19, 1924 in Saginaw, Michigan the son of Herbert and Augusta (Stenzel) Mertz. Larry graduated in 1942 at Saginaw High School. He proudly served in the Army Air Corp. from 1942 until 1945 during WWII.  Larry was united in marriage to the former Kathleen McCully on March 2, 1968; she survives him. He retired after many years as an Auto and Leasing Salesman. Larry was a long time member of the BPOE Elks Lodge, #47 and an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Saginaw, Michigan.  He also enjoyed helping the Saginaw Township Precinct with their voting. Larry joined and graduated the Citizen’s Police Academy in 2015. He was a very gifted wood furniture restorer and enjoyed putting models together. Larry had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying.

Lauren is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, children; Donald (Linda) Mertz, David (April) Mertz, Steven (Linda) Gray, Rebecca (Paul) Lentner, Calvin (Margaret) Gray, Rachel (Brian) Bullard and Nannette (Robert) Lee, 20 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Larry was preceded in death by two brothers, Wallace and Wayne Mertz.

FUNERAL: A memorial service will take place Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 4790 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI  48638, Pastor Amy Terhune will officiate. Military honors will follow the service under the auspices of the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #22. Burial to follow in the First United Methodist Church Memorial Garden.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to call at the church from 12:00 PM until the time of services.

MEMORIALS: In Lieu of flowers those planning a memorial contribution are asked to consider donations to the family to be distributed to local charities in Larry’s honor.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mertz family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.