John David Merz 75 of Urbana died at 12:03 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, Urbana; Rev. Jeff Stahl and Rev. Eunjoo Lee officiating. Burial will be in Eastlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana.

Mr. Merz was born on June 29, 1938, the son of John Ben and Fern Nofftz Merz. He married Nancy Ingold on December 23, 1956 in Urbana, she survives.

Also surviving are his children; Debra Merz of Urbana, William Merz of Urbana, Thomas (Denise) Merz of Bloomington and Susan (Richard) Dermer of Stillwater, Oklahoma, five brothers; James Merz, Michael Dillman, Larry Dillman, Howie Dillman and Scott Dillman, eight grandchildren; Carrie Merz, Sara Dietrich, Katie Merz, Emily Merz, Laurel Merz, Kristi Ana Merz, Stephanie Dermer and Catherine Dermer, six great grandchildren; Gracie, Victoria, Ellie, Brendan, Anessa and Riley and honorary daughter; Linda C.

He was preceded in death by one grandson; Thomas John Merz.

Mr. Merz was a U.S. Army veteran.

He worked for Allstate Insurance Company, retiring after 25 years of service to his customers.

Mr. Merz was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Urbana where he was very active, Urbana Country Club; he retired from the Clark-Lindsey board, served on various committees of Empty Tomb, help to build numerous homes for Habitat for Humanity.

He loved his family, gardening, working with Cecil, Keith & John at Empty Tomb and home maintenance. He enjoyed his golf buddies; Jerry, Darrell, Jim & Roy and an avid Illini fan.

Mr. Merz was a kind man that loved his church and he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He also had a loving memory of his grandparents; Henry & Louise Nofftz.

The family would like to thank the Staff of Carle, Barnes Hospital and Meadowbrook for their passionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Urbana Roofing Fund.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoff.com.