Nicholas Mertz

Nicholas J. Mertz, 68, active in various capacities in his home township, Prairieville, and in county organizations, died at his home in Sleepy Eye Friday afternoon. He had been in ill health for three years and bedfast for two weeks.

Funeral services will be held MNonday at 10 am from St. Mary's Catholic church. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Prayer hour will be in the church at 7 pm Sunday.

Township Assessor

Mertz was a member of his district school board in Priairieville Township for a number of years and also was one of the first directors of the Agricultural Adjustment Act when this group was organized in Brown County. He held this office for a long term of years.

Mertz was assessor in Prairieville Township for over 30 years. He served as secretary of the Stark Famers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, with offices in Sleepy Eye for the past several years.

Mertz was active in all agriculteral affairs in the county and took an interest in many other activities in addition to being a progressive farmer.

Son of Pioneers

Nicholas J., son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mertz, pioneer residents of Prairieville Township, was born Oct.18 1886. He grew to young manhood on the farm and was married to Ann Seikora June 27, 1911. They made their home on a farm in Prairieville Twonship until he retired and moved to Sleepy Eye last November.

Mertz is survived by five children: Inez, instructor in St. Mary's Catholic Parochial school, Sleepy Eye; Delores, at home; Sister M. Nicholine, instructor in Sacred Heart parochial school, Waseca; Nicholas J., Jr. at home and Mary Jane, student in St. Mary's Parochial school, Sleepy Eye.

Three sisters, Mrs. Frank Marks, Sleepy Eye; Mrs. Barbara Polta, Sleepy Eye; and Mrs. Matt Hockert, Kensal, N.D. and three brothers, John, Sleepy Eye; Anthony, New Ulm and Henry, Waitsburg, Wash., also survive.