Peter Karl Merz, age 78, passed away peacefully at his Pell Lake WI home the morning of Monday December 31st, 2018. He had been battling heart and kidney conditions for the last 10 years.

Born May 11, 1940 in Amorbach, Bavaria, Germany to his parents Bernard J. Merz and Antonia "Toni" (Sternheimer) Merz, Pete and his parents immigrated to Chicago in 1958. In 1974 he married Tatjana "Tina" (Panchenko) Merz. Peter & Tina moved to Pell Lake in 1990, and Pete's parents moved to Pell Lake in 1991.

Having retired in 2000 after 40 years as a union painter, Pete enjoyed his free time – reading, fishing, or just sharing a drink with friends.  Beneath a sometimes gruff exterior lay a soft heart, whether for friends in need, or adopting stray/abandoned animals. Old friends and family, plus many pets, will be waiting for Pete.

Preceded in death: His father Bernard in 2005, and mother Toni in 1993. His wife Tina in April 2018.

Surviving: Cousin Joann Martini of Buffalo Grove, IL. Several second or once-removed cousins in the Bavaria region of Germany. Stepsons Alex Ranczynski of Buffalo Grove, IL and Victor Ranczynski of Pell Lake, WI.

A Celebration of his life will be held on January 10, 2019 from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at Friends Tavern W 1112 Lakeshore Drive  Pell Lake WI. .  Online condolences Haaselockwoodfhs.com.   The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Genoa City, WI. is assisting the family.