Kim Mertz

Kim Dennis Mertz of rural Sleepy Eye was taken from his family and friends unexpectedly on April 25th, 2013. Kim was born on April 28th, 1953 to Dennis and Rose Mary (Laux) Nelson of Godhal MN. Kim attended Sleepy Eye St. Mary's Catholic School, where he enjoyed playing sports, he graduated in 1971. After high school Kim attended college at St. Thomas and Worthington. After college Kim was united in marriage with Corinne Strong on November 25th, 1978 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Kim worked for MoorMan's and AUI, then later became an Insurance Agent with Farm Bureau. Kim enjoyed working for Farm Bureau, and meeting new people. A man full of life, inspiration to many, with a very genuine, gentle heart; Kim enjoyed everything about life. He spent most of his time outdoors, walking his dogs, doing chores, mowing lawn, chopping wood, hunting, fishing, camping, grilling and cooking. In his younger days, Kim played with the Whitey's Men's Softball team. Kim was very passionate with coaching and sports, and wanted to share his knowledge with anyone he could. Kim coached football for over 30years, he took great pride in ALL of his football players. Often times Kim could be found volunteering his time at local fish fries, umpiring softball/baseball games or watching local sports teams in action. Kim was the foundation of his family, he loved spending time with them and just being near them, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Always full of stories, laughter and a smile of his face, Kim devoted his time to helping family, friends and neighbors. Survived by wife Corinne (Strong) Mertz, children Cal and Jocelyn Mertz (Helget) of Sleepy Eye Mn, Kyle Mertz (Amanda Briggs) of Eyota Mn, Cassey Mertz (Andrew Garness) of Sleepy Eye Mn; brother Brad and Linda Mertz of West Salem Wisconsin; sisters Cheryll (Loren) Blick, Lori (Rick) Gilliland and Missy (Bob) Maas; grandchildren Logan, McKenzie, Hunter, Breaunna, Madyson, Lucas, Tiffany, Amanda, Jordan, and Cheyenne and many nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by parents Dennis Nelson, Nicholas J. II and Rose Mary Mertz; brother Nicholas J. Mertz III and son Cole Dennis Mertz. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, April 29, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel 301 - 3rd Ave. S.W. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Second Visitation 7:30 am - 10:00 am Tuesday, April 30, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel 301 - 3rd Ave. S.W. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Service Information 10:30 am Tuesday, April 30, 2013 St. Mary's Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye 636 1st Ave. North Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085