John "Jack" Mertz

John "Jack" Mertz, age 81, a lifelong farmer and resident of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, passed away September 26, 2025, at Prairie Senior Cottages in New Ulm, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church - North Entrance in Sleepy Eye. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Fr. Samuel Perez. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

He was born July 13, 1944, in Sleepy Eye to Raymond and Rose (Helget) Mertz and from a young age, the rhythms of the land became his life's work. He dedicated his entire life to farming his family's land, upholding a tradition of hard work and simple living.

Although he was a man of few words and was not fond of crowds, he found his contentment in farming the land and caring for his animals.

Jack is survived by his niece, Jan O'Marron (Rod O'Marron) and his nephew, Scott Hansen along with their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirley A. Hendley-Hansen; his brothers-in-law, Marcene "Ceno" Hendley and Charles "Chisey" Hansen; and his nephew, Craig Hansen.

Memorials are appreciated to the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at Prairie Senior Cottages in New Ulm and to his farming neighbors and local businesses that helped him throughout the years. Your kindness will never be forgotten.