Joan Mertz

Joan Elsa Mertz, 91, of Belvidere, IL passed away on December 13, 2023. She was born on February 12, 1932, in Chicago, IL to the late Richard and Elsie (Scheidler) Traxel. She married the love of her life, Sydney Mertz on May 17, 1952. Joan is loved and will be deeply missed by her daughter, Ellen (Rick) DeSimone; grandchildren, Richard (Mindy) DeSimone, Stephanie (Neil) Talevera; great grandchildren, Brandon DeSimone, Eric DeSimone, Dominik Nasiatka, Paige Talevera, Mila Talevera; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Elsie; brother, Fred Traxel, Sister, Ruth Craig. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. held at Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Interment in Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. Memorials can be made to the family in Joan’s name.