David Robert Mertig

September 22, 1940 - December 18, 2017

David Robert Mertig age 77, of Butternut, died on Monday December 18, 2017 at Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls. He was born on September 22, 1940 in Park Falls, the son of Harold and Jeanette (Beil) Mertig. David graduated from the Glidden High School in 1958 and then entered the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. On August 12, 1967 he married Jeannie Barker. David was a logger and worked on the E.L.F. Site in Clam Lake before working for the Village of Butternut where he worked his way up to Superintendent until his retirement. He was a member of the Butternut American Legion Post, the Butternut Park Association and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing sports. His favoirte sport/passion was playing and watching baseball. He played and coached with the Upper 13 Baseball League for many years. The baseball field in Butternut was dedicated to him, named Mertig Field, for his long standing commitment to Butternut baseball and the park association. One of his great passions and love in life was watching and cheering his beloved grandchildren in all of their sporting events. He is survived by: his wife Jeannie of Butternut (3)children: Roxie McClay of Butternut Roberta (Michael) Scanlon of Park Falls Randy (Angela) Mertig of Butternut His longtime friend who became like a son and family member Rod (Valerie) Holden of Nekoosa (6)grandchildren: Andrew (Jenna) Mertig Michael (Marcie) Mertig Jared Case Jeanna Scanlon Sadie (Ethan) Holden Tristin (Jessica) Holden many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren (2)sisters: Arlene (Bill)Tank of Glidden Lois Bougard of Renton, Washington and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday May 19, 2019 at 11:00am at Butternut Area Park/Mertig Field. Rev. John A. Deitz will officiate. A visitation will take place from 10:00am until the hour of the service at the Park. The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family.