Shirley M. Mertz

Shirley M. Mertz, age 85, of Gordon, Wisconsin died of natural causes peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

She was born December 29, 1935 in Superior, the daughter of Senja and John Hill. Shirley married Kenneth in 1954 and they raised three children.

She worked for the YMCA and Daisy Bakery. She enjoyed family gatherings at her home on Whitefish Lake and was “Miss Hospitality”. Her food warmed the hearts of family and friends; her generosity was bountiful. She loved to garden and we sometimes thought of her as “Johnny Appleseed”. She planted trees and flowers galore. She was artistic, loved painting, reading, and decorating her home. She won awards for her paintings. Most of all she loved her family and friends and told them this with words and actions. She loved animals, especially her pampered Yorki named Lily.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; sisters Elna Aho, Eileen Mac; brothers Wally Hill, Edwin Hill, Armos Toya, and Benhart Toya.

She is survived by her children Sonja (Steven) Lamppa, Kenneth (Pamela) Mertz, and Terriann (Brad) Carlson, grandchildren, Craig Nelson, Keith Nelson, Lucas (Lindsay) Mertz, Kendra Mertz (Chris Rogers), Andrea (Joel) Vlaminck, Delia (Ryan) Durfee, Reece Lamppa, John (Kristina) Carlson, Jenny (Garret) Romosz; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her dear sister Lillian Lange and sister-in-law Irene (Brad) Haugen.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at St. Luke’s Hospital.

A private family funeral will be held with immediate family due to COVID restrictions and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.