Dennis Norman Merz, 84, of Falls City was born on May 11, 1940, near Barada, Nebraska to Nelson N. and Caroline T. (Faller) Merz. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters Church in rural Falls City. Dennis attended grade school in Barada and graduated at the age of 17 from Falls City High School in 1957. As a young man, he worked on his father’s dairy farm. Dennis began working for Merz Farm Equipment in 1953, and dedicated his career until retiring in 2002. While there, he also worked for Massy Ferguson as a Field Consultant. Dennis was married in 1965 which brought him 4 children. He was later united in marriage to Betty Walton at St Peters Church in 1997.
Dennis served in the National Guards, was a member of the Elks Lodge #963 where he served as Exalted Ruler in 1987, and was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church. Dennis received his pilot’s license in 1969 and enjoyed flying. After retirement, he loved spending his time rebuilding tractors. Dennis passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Falls City Nursing and Rehabilitation having reached the earthly age of eighty-four years, seven months, and twenty-two days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Carol Frederick, grandson Tanner Merz, and granddaughter Amanda Meyer.
Dennis is survived by his wife Betty of Falls City, children: Sherry Bennett and husband Dennis of Gretna, NE; Angie Moore of Hemet CA; Marc Merz and wife Sally of Falls City, David Merz and wife Lori of Kissimmee, FL; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Pauls Lutheran Church and 20th & Towle street in Falls City with Pastor Joanna Kathol officiating. Interment will immediately follow services at the Steele Cemetery in Falls City.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Hall Funeral Home on, 2403 Harlan Street in Falls City. Family will greet friends at church from 6-8 p.m. at St. Pauls Lutheran Church at 20th & Towle Street.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later local designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net
Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan Street-Falls City, NE 68355 (402) 245-3131
