Marvin J Mertz

The recorded funeral service may be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/soWla1dX2Y8

Marvin Mertz, 93, of Harvey formerly of Hurdsfield died Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home of Harvey, where he had been a resident for three months.

Funeral services will be held at the Hurdsfield Community Center of Hurdsfield on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey on Monday, September 7, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hurdsfield, North Dakota.

Marvin was born to John and Emilie (Stadelman) Mertz on January 27, 1933, in Harvey, ND. The family had six children and lived on the family farm north of Hurdsfield. Marvin transferred from country school to the Hurdsfield School in third grade and graduated in 1953. He loved sports and played basketball and baseball. He also met a special girl named Alice Buchwitz whom he loved, and she became his wife on November 7, 1954. Starting out, they farmed with cattle and cropland. Eventually he followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, became a well driller along with his farming operation.

Marvin was a man who truly loved to volunteer, stepping in wherever there was a need. As a faithful elder in his church and a deeply committed community member, he lent his time to the Hurdsfield Community Center, township, community café, school alumni reunions, town cleanups, and the cemetery board. He was always ready to serve whenever and wherever a need arose.

At the age of 19 Marvin became a Christ follower and was concerned about others knowing that Jesus loved them, offered forgiveness, care, and eternity in heaven. In 2005, at the age of 72 Marvin fell from a 20’ ladder at his farm causing a traumatic brain injury with only a 10% chance of survival. During the next 21 years, Marvin shared about the Lord sparing his life and his faith story through a little pamphlet that he gave to people wherever he went. It brings joy and peace knowing his soul is in heaven for eternity.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Alice; their children Melodee Murphy (Mike) Schraven, Melinda (Ted) Chick, Marcie (Howard) Eliason, Danny (Melinda) Mertz and Marilee (Doug) Kline; their 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice’s parents, his siblings Louise, Lawrence, Leland, Darlene and John, brother and sister-in-law Dallas & Betty Kunz, and son-in-law Steven Murphy.

The family extends special thanks to the staff and doctors from the St Aloisius Nursing Home Unit B for your loving care and support.

Last, but certainly not least, our family cannot begin to express our deepest appreciation to Jessica Wilcox, our parents’ devoted caregiver for the past four years. Jessica, you and your daughter have truly become family to us, and we love you dearly. "Grandpa" had a bond with his "little girl," Laken, and always had a "thank you" for Jessica. Though he recognized his own limitations, he was grateful for your presence beyond what words could ever convey.

Memorial donations may be given to the Hurdsfield Community Center or The Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hurdsfield, ND.