Richard Mertz, age 68, of Sleepy Eye, died Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the New Ulm Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm.  Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel in New Ulm.  Visitation will continue from 9:00 -10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the North Chapel.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org

Richard is survived by his wife, Linda Mertz; a son, Brady Mertz of New Ulm ; a daughter, Heidi (Craig) Hatlestad of Winsted; a grandson, Bryce Hatlestad; sisters, Sharon (Don) Klaviter of New Ulm and Linda Hickey of Excelsior; brothers, Robert (Linda) and Gary (Mary) Mertz, both of New Ulm; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother, Joseph.

Richard Mertz was born on March 28, 1950 in New Ulm to Edwin & Eleanor (Schmidt) Mertz.  He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1969.  Richard was united in marriage to Linda Schneider on October 28, 1972 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm.  He farmed his entire life, and worked part-time at Kraft Foods.  Richard took great pride and satisfaction in his fields.  Farming was his passion and he was always striving for "bumper crops".  Richard was a member of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Catholic United Financial and the Catholic Order of Foresters #698.  He enjoyed playing softball, playing sheephead, watching the Minnesota Twins, and he loved driving his Gator over to his neighbors to discuss "world problems".  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, blessed be his memory.