June 03, 1923 - February 01, 2022
Bob tidied his desk and departed this life on February 1, 2022. He was born on June 3,1923 and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he would later meet his wife, Gwen, whom he was happily married to for 78 yrs. Bob married his childhood sweetheart, Gwen Klein, on September 2, 1944, and was discharged from the US Army at Ft. Ord on December 16, 1944. He later attended Marquette University and graduated from Santa Clara Law School in 1947.
After graduation, Bob and Gwen explored the central valley for possible sites to establish his law practice from Madera to Marysville. After several offers, they decided Lodi was the ideal place to start a family and build a practice. With the encouragement and support of Attorney Robert Rinn, Bob commenced his career of some 68 years. He served many families in Lodi during this time while he and Gwen raised four children. Paul, Steve, Wendy, and Tom all survive their father, including seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
During the last 12 years of his practice, he, with the able assistance of his long-time administrative assistant and family friend of 50+ years, Haru Oga, concentrated on trusts and estate cases. Bob served as City Judge for three years in 1952, and he and his wife were active members of Woodbridge Golf and Country Club for many years.
The Mertz’s have had a fulfilling life traveling with Ben and Geri Schaffer throughout Europe, the UK, Spain, and Portugal, all while never forgetting to bring their golf clubs. They golfed in many countries during their travels, including Hong Kong and Japan.
For over 30yrs, Bob and Gwen lived in Ione, CA, overlooking the North Shore of Lake Camanche, where they enjoyed many holidays and Sundays full of swimming, family, and sun.
They also shared with the Mardee, Kidd and Podesto families, a beautiful condo on the ocean at Poipu on the island of Kauai.
The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Lodi House. or Hospice of Amador County.
Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/guestbook.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mertz family.