Steven M. Mertel

Steven Michael Mertel, 75, passed away peacefully with his family by his side due to complications following a heart attack. He was born December 10, 1941 to Stephen and Irene Mertel.

He proudly served his country in the Army as a Military Policeman between the years 1959-1963.

In 1970, he married his wife Betty with whom he would have celebrated 47 years of marriage this coming September. He is the proud father of Cheryl (Joe) Umland, Amy (Patrick) Finnerty, Steven (Kelly) Mertel, and Michael Mertel. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, Alex Wallace, Maggie and Patrick Finnerty, and Grace, Anna, and Ryan Mertel. He also enjoyed his great grandchildren, Abel, Adrian, and Jenna Wallace

Steven spent majority of his career in the Auto Industry. He had a passion for cars. His favorite pastimes included fishing, boating, taking drives, traveling to Florida, and most of all, spending summer days in his “small slice of paradise” also know as our backyard, by the pool, surrounded by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Jason Wallace; his siblings, Carole Zimney and Teddy Mertel; his nephew, John Paul Kasko; and his parents, Steven and Irene Mertel.

Steven’s kindness, generosity, and friendship will be missed by many. He loved his family fiercely and if you were a friend, you were considered family.

Visitation will be held from 3pm-9pm, Thursday, August 10 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419. E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. A Prayer will be said at 10am Friday, August 11, at the funeral home. Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451. W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake at 10:30am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Steven’s honor to JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th floor, New York, New York 10004, to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The family encourages anyone to share a story, fond memory, or tribute to Steve.