John J. Mertes Sr.

John Jacob Mertes Sr, 79 of Frederic, passed away at home on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Born in Saginaw on January 29, 1939, John was the son of John and Dorothy (Lane) Mertes.  The family later moved to Frederic where John graduated from Frederic High School.

On April 9, 1966, he married Julia Ann Watkins.  They lived and raised their family in Frederic.  Julia preceded him in death on November 16, 2011.

John was a longtime realtor in Grayling.  He was an avid hunter, enjoyed rides in the car and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

John is survived by his children, Barb (Tom) Henry, Lisa (Jeff) Nisch, Barry Mertes and John Mertes all of Frederic and Richard (Cindy) Mertes of Bradenton, FL; grandchildren, Mike Nisch of Frederic, Billie Jo Mertes of Frederic, Chad and Sabrena Mertes of Gaylord and Rachel Nisch of Frederic; great grandchildren, Kylor Stocker, Kayla Mertes, Aleena Gleason, Marissa Gleason, Gunner Nisch, Ivy Koch, Landen Michels and Haydn Frost all of Frederic and Mason Mertes and Serenity Mertes of Gaylord.  Also surviving are sisters, Bonnie (Carl) Watkins of Frederic and Barb Bridenbaugh of Grayling;  a brother, Harold (Lois) Mertes of Frederic and several nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by a brother, Ron Mertes.

A memorial gathering will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Frederic Township Hall, 6470 Manistee Street in Frederic.  Those who wish are asked to consider a memorial donation in John’s memory to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com