Orlan Mertz 82 of Harvey died Thursday May 4, 2017 in an ATV accident near Antelope Lake, northwest of Harvey. Arrangements are pending with Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Goodrich, ND.

Visitation will be held at the Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey on Tuesday May 9, 2017 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Burial will be in the Goodrich City Cemetery.

Orlan Theodore Mertz was born January 19, 1935 on the original Mertz homestead north of Goodrich, to Norma and Ted Mertz. Orlan grew up there until they moved to the family farm. Orlan graduated from Goodrich Public School in 1952 and then attended NDSU for 2 years, from where he returned to the family farm after the death of his father. Orlan was the oldest of eight children. Orlan married Patty (Case) on May 12, 1955 in Goodrich and they lived on the farm where they raised their children, Monica, Rachelle and Ted.

Orlan was an entrepreneur and loved creating something from nothing. Orlan was an honorable steward of the land and farmed on his family farm until 1999. He and Patty were 4-H leaders for 25+ years where they touched the lives of many local kids. Both Orlan and Patty immersed themselves in North Dakota and National politics. Orlan was a member of the North Dakota ASCS committee during President Ronald Reagan's administration. In 1991, Orlan and son Ted followed their dreams of opening Sheyenne Valley Lodge, which they ran from 1991 to 2005. Orlan had a love of the outdoors, welcoming hunters to legendary North Dakota and raising elk. In 2007, Orlan and son ted purchased Mertz Americana Hotel in Harvey, ND. Most recently, Orlan and Ted started their next entrepreneurial adventure at Antelope Lake northwest of Harvey developing lake properties.

Orlan had a love for fishing, hunting, poker playing and family. He had a passion for the outdoors and lived his life to the last cast.

Orlan is survived by his daughters, Monica (Tim) Wonnenberg of Bismarck, Rachelle (Dave) Williamson of Minot; son, Ted (Tammy) Mertz of Anamoose; mother, Norma of Harvey; grandchildren, David (Tovey) Wonnenberg, Tyler Mertz, Mandel (Grant) Cameron, Kaitlyn Kline (Brandon Weidert); great-grandchildren, Spencer, Xander, Elizabeth, Jack; brother, Terry (Nell) Mertz of Grand Forks; sisters, Bonita Mertz (Al Binfet) of Elgin, Karen (Dennis) Konschak of Goodrich, Gale (Phil) Benner of Phoenix, AZ: sister-in-law, Kathy Mertz of Bismarck; along with numerous extended family.

Orlan was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Mertz; father, Theodore Mertz; brothers, Darryl, Gary (Jimmy) and Tim.