Thomas L. Mertz

Thomas L. Mertz

August 2, 1947 ~ April 26, 2025

Age 77

Tom was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska.  Being the middle child of three, was a very imaginative and creative child.  He loved making up games and activities for himself and his younger sister, Cherie.  Performing in the front yard for the amusement of neighbors and passersby.  Tom was a sweet, shy high school student who loved art and track.  So much so that he lettered in track at Westside High School.  After high school, he was drafted into the Army and served for two years. Tom’s father, Ed, was a Dental Ceramist.  Ed owned a lab and taught Tom his trade.  Tom excelled in being a Dental Ceramist and worked in many areas before joining Creighton University.  At Creighton he was part of the Crown and Bridge Lab as a Ceramist for 35 years.

Tom met his partner, James, in 1994.  They had a warm and loving relationship for 30 years.  Traveling throughout the United States including a trip to New York City and the World Trade Center one year before 9/11.

Tom was a “collector” of many things.  Depression Glass was his favorite.  Collecting many different sets and colors.  He literally had two trailer loads worth when he decided to sell his collection at auction in 2016.  Tom had many interests and hobbies including baking, sewing, running, roller skating, writing, rock hounding, bird watching, and, of course, speaking German.  He crafted handmade Christmas cards every year with a “little something” to remember him by.  Every little something was a clever piece for the season.

Tom was a loving son and loyal sibling who loved his family very much.  He adored his mother, Carol, and continued to take her to church and dinner on Sunday mornings even after she could no longer remember who he was.  He loved his siblings very much.  In 1999 he purchased a home at Hanson Lakes and lived across the lake from his sister and sister-in-law, Toni, just to be closer to them.  He made trips to Dallas as often as possible to visit his brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Barb, and their family.  Tom had affection for his nieces and nephews in Texas.  Tom adored his and James’ nephews, Matthew and Tyler.  Tom loved and adopted James’ sister, Diane, as his own.

He was kind, gentle, and had a childlike wonder that he kept his whole life.  If angels exist on earth, he was part of the host.  Living his life with a strong, moral compass and was referred to by James as “A Modern-Day Ward Cleaver”.  He showed amazing grace and bravery as he lost his battle against his illness.  Tom will be remembered lovingly by all who knew him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Carol (Benedict) Mertz and brother Eugene.  Tom is survived by his partner, James Sawyer and sister, Cherie Mertz.

Celebration of Tom’s Life: Sunday, May 18, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Lake Candlewood Estates, 12324 Charles Street, Omaha.

Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / www.stjude.org