EUGENE C. MERTZ

Eugene Mertz, 96 of Bode, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joe. Mass will be live streamed via Lentz Funeral Home’s website: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/eugene-mertz. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Livermore. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, from 4 until 7 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 3:45 p.m. at Lentz Funeral Home in Livermore. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Livermore. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Eugene Conrad Mertz, the son of John P. and Margaret (Heidersheidt) Mertz, was born on Feb. 7, 1930, in Algona. He attended school in Lu Verne. Eugene proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. Following his service, he returned home to farm in the Lu Verne and Bode area, a vocation he dedicated himself to throughout his life.
He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livermore, where he served on the parish council and as a lay minister. Eugene was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, served nine years as the Bode Elevator director, and was a devoted member of the American Legion Post 415 of Livermore for 62 years, making him the longest serving member. Eugene held Legion roles as commander and financial officer. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards and dancing. Eugene always valued time spent with friends and family.
Left to cherish Eugene’s memory are many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: John P. and Margaret