Edward A. Mertz was born on June 7, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in the Turner area of Kansas City, Kansas. He passed away on October 2, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota, from complications following surgery to remove colon cancer. Ed’s Celebration of Life Service will be held 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at VFW Post 11499, 2806 N 155th St, Basehor, Kansas 66007.

Ed enjoyed fishing, gambling, good barbecue, NASCAR and dirt track racing, and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs—especially when they were winning. He loved to travel and especially treasured trip to Three Waters Resort in Islamorada, Florida.

Throughout his life, Ed built a varied career. He worked for Major Cadillac, was part owner of Four-Star Electric, and owned two Wylie’s Grill locations in the late 1980s. He later became part owner of JED Installation before working as a heavy machine operator with Local 101 in Kansas City and, later, in Dickinson, North Dakota, where he eventually retired.

Ed also enjoyed spending time tinkering around the shop with his many friends, including Darcy, Loran, Jerry, Mike, Carl, and others. He shared plenty of stories about their good times, and those memories will live on with everyone who knew him.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lorma Mertz, and his sister, Janice Mertz.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Joleen Forster, and her daughter, JennaLee; his children, Dennis Mertz (Bridget) and Magan Brown (Jesse); his brothers, Leo Mertz, Gene Mertz (Betty), Bob Mertz (Pat), and Danny Mertz (Sheila); his grandchildren, Lizz, Cole, Michael, Alyssa, Ave, and Hunter; his step-grandchildren, Ethan, Sam, Morgan, and Maddy; and his great-grandchildren, Maya, Camdyn, Oaklynn, Elli, and David.

Ed was deeply loved, and he will be remembered for the life he lived, the stories he shared, and the people he brought together.