Robert "Bob" K. Mertzig, Ssgt Usaf (Ret)

Robert “Bob” K. Mertzig, SSgt USAF (retired),87, Superior resident, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center in Superior of complications from COPD. Bob was born on October 15, 1932 in Solon Springs, WI, the youngest of ten children of Cornelius “Colonel” and Ida (Ulvy) Mertzig.

Bob graduated from Solon Springs High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and was stationed for most of his service at McChord AFB in Seattle, WA and also spent some time in Panama. He retired in 1978 after twenty-four years of service of which he was very proud and spoke of it often. In true “Bob” character he was one of the first to have his picture put on the wall at Wal-Mart. He was a member of various veterans associations.

Until health issues prevented it, he lived at the Golden Apts in Superior. He enjoyed his morning trips to the lobby, catching up on the latest “news” and providing his own “vast knowledge” and dry sense of humor to the mix. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and their spouses, James “Jim” (Beulah), Milton, Elmer “Barney” (Elaine), Walter “Wimpy” (Ann), George, John (Betty), Albert “I I”, Martha (Frank) Wirkus and Margaret (Bernard) Rhodes; niece, Joanne “Punky” Gunderson and nephews, Donald and James Rhodes.

Bob is survived by his eight nieces, Carolyn (Ken) Zamberlan, Texas, Jeanne Hyniewickt, Milwaukee, WI, Patty (Deane) Mertzig, Superior, WI, Linda (Ron) Stone, Barnes, WI, Barb (Dave) Rakinichan, Superior, WI, Cathy Mertzig, Seattle, WA, Paula (Greg) Hart, Solon Springs, WI, Charlene (Dan) Meyer, Omaha; two nephews, Dennis (Kathy) Mertzig, Wascott, WI, Bill Rhodes, Omaha and Richard (Barbara) Vista, CA.

Due to CDC recommendations and Governor mandates, services for Bob are will be held at a later date.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com .