Lawrence Wesley Mertz, 80, was united with his heavenly father on May 17, 2012 surrounded by his family at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hurdsfield on Monday May 21, 2012 at 2 p.m.

Visitation will be held at the Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. with prayer services Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at the Hertz Funeral Home.

Burial will be at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hurdsfield.

Lawrence was born on July 1, 1931 to John and Emilie (Stadelman) Mertz. He was raised on the family farm north of Hurdsfield. He attended rural school near Hurdsfield and graduated from Hurdsfield High School in 1950. As a young man he worked in a ship yard in Bremerton, Washington. Lawrence proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Following his discharge Lawrence returned to Hurdsfield and began his love of farming.

Lawrence married Clemence Baumann on November 30, 1957 at Fessenden. They lived and farmed north of Hurdsfield. He and his brother Leland owned and operated the Mertz Oil Company in Hurdsfield for several years. Lawrence also operated a trucking company. Clemence passed away suddenly on February 22, 1992. Lawrence continued to work on the family farm with his sons.

Lawrence was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Hurdsfield and served on the church council for many years. Lawrence served on the Hurdsfield Public School Board, Wells County Rural Water Board, National Bank of Harvey Board of Directors, Wells County Health Board, Hurdsfield Community Center Board, and Hurdsfield Housing Corporation Board. He was also a member of the American Legion Post in Hurdsfield and the Wells Eagles Aerie in Harvey.

Lawrence cherished farming; he was a friend, mentor and teacher to many. He had a love for horse racing and going to the casino. Lawrence enjoyed going to the Artos in Harvey where he took pleasure in visiting and helping his special friend Mae Ripplinger.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Deb Mertz of Hurdsfield;two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Lanette Mertz, and James and Jennifer Mertz of Hurdsfield; two sisters, Darlene Huber Hankison of Hurdsfield and Louise Arendt of Pierre, SD, brother, Marvin Mertz, Harvey; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Lawrence was preceded in his death by his parents; wife, Clemence; brothers Leland Mertz and John Mertz Jr.