David John MertzMay 6, 1966 - June 30, 2012
It is with heavy hearts and deep regret that we, the family of David John Mertz of Cold Lake, AB, announce his tragic passing at the young age of 46 near Conklin, AB, on Saturday, June 30, 2012. "Dave" as he was affectionately known, was born at Humboldt, SK, on May 6, 1966, to Roman and Sylvia (nee Rieland) Mertz of Middle Lake. He grew up on the family farm near Middle Lake with his siblings, Glen, Karen, Wayne and twins Donna and Dale. Upon graduating from high school, David continued mixed-farming with his brothers, as well as working on local construction and sheet metal jobs throughout the province for a few years. Employment opportunities also included working for various oil rig companies in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Siberia, Russia. Eventually, David returned to full-time farming and purchased a livestock trucking company with his brother, Dale, where they spent many years hauling for local farmers. David met the love of his life, Carla Forster, and they were married in a beautiful ceremony at Lake Lenore in 2002. They moved to Fort McMurray, AB, and were blessed with their son, Luke, who became their pride and joy. David gained employment with Suncor where he was employed for the past 10 years. The family recently relocated to Cold Lake, Alberta, where Luke began elementary school. David was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, a wonderful brother, and a very special uncle to his nieces and nephews. He had a heart of gold, and always filled the room with lots of laughter. Dave lived a great life; he enjoyed everything it had to offer, and took advantage of hot holidays, family fishing trips, their Waskesiu cabin and, more importantly, the people who mattered most to him - family and friends. David brought such joy to our lives. He will be terribly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of ten years, Carla (nee Forster) Mertz and only son Luke, both of Cold Lake, AB; his father, Roman Mertz of Middle Lake, SK; three brothers, two sisters and their families: Glen (Patricia) Mertz, Kyle and Kayleen of Pickering, ON; Karen (Hal) Smith, Haley, Alysha and Cole, of Middle Lake; Wayne (Michelle) Mertz, Heather and Sarah, of Middle Lake; Donna (Darcy) Altermatt, Dalan and Danae, of Grande Prairie, AB; and Dale Mertz of Middle Lake; paternal grandmother, Rose (nee Olynuk) Mertz of Middle Lake; Forster family members: Harold and Carol (nee Hoffman) Forster of Lake Lenore; Bradley (Lori) Forster, Graydon and Macey, of 100 Mile House, BC; Dean (Daniela) Forster, Darriane, Bianca and Nikolas, of Calgary, AB; and Kent Forster of Airdrie, AB; and by other extended family. He was predeceased by his mother, Sylvia (nee Rieland) Mertz (2006); paternal grandfather, Joseph Mertz; and by his maternal grandparents, Henry and Christine (nee Freriks) Rieland. The Mass of The Resurrection for Dave was held at Canadian Martyrs R.C. Church, Middle Lake, on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Thangaraj. Others taking part were: Kayleen and Kyle Mertz, crossbearers; Jesse Flaman and Janaya Gerwing, altar servers; Pat and Doris Hoffman, scripture readers; Terry Houde, intentions; Alysha Smith and Darriane Klinger (goddaughters), giftbearers; Ben and Marilyn Flaman, music ministry; Liz Grundmann, Helen Hueser, Bev Schmidt and Marthe Forster, memorial table attendants. The eulogy, which was written by the Mertz family, was delivered by James and Todd Schuler. Interment will take place at Canadian Martyrs R.C. Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to the Luke Mertz Memorial Trust Fund. Condolences to the family may be emailed to hk.smith@sasktel.net. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK. (306-682-4114)