David Lee Mertz

Sgt. David Lee Mertz (U.S. Army), was born June 25, 1985 in the Republic of Korea. As an infant he was adopted by Craig Mertz and Aleda Tysver of Chanhassen, MN. David was raised with two siblings, sister Elizabeth Mertz and brother Timothy Mertz, both of whom still reside in Minnesota. David attended public schools in Chanhassen, MN and Chaska, MN. In 2002, David met the love of his life and his soul mate, Jessi Carlson, also of Minnesota. David and Jessi married. Beautiful twin daughters, Kristina and Kelly, were born into the new family. David joined the United States Army, which he served at Fort Knox, KY; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD; Camp Humphreys, Korea; Fort Lewis, WA; and Ballad, Iraq. At the conclusion of David’s 15 month deployment to Iraq, the family took up residence again at Ft. Lewis. When the family was transferred to Fort Bliss, Texas, the move fulfilled a childhood dream. As a small child David told his parents that when he grew up he wanted three things: to live in Texas, be a cowboy, and own a big red parrot. El Paso proved to be everything which David had dreamed of as a young boy. The family soon decided to make El Paso their permanent home and David made contact with the Ft. Bliss Rodeo Team. David tried out for the bull riding event even though he had never ridden horses, let alone bulls. David became a bull rider and was proud to be a real cowboy. He described bull riding as the ultimate adrenalin rush. While participating in a rodeo event with his Ft. Bliss rodeo team, David was thrown from his bull and landed badly, severely injuring his spine. A precipitous decline in his health followed. David’s free time was spent building what was to be Jessi’s pink hot rod Chevy; guiding his daughters’ wood shop projects; pretending to be his daughters’ customer in his daughters’ make believe beauty shop; and fine dining at Chucky Cheese. David craved excitement, enjoyed life, loved his wife, adored his children Kristina and Kelly, and was devoted to his extended family. David was Jessi’s hero, was his daughters’ amazing father, was his extended family’s light, and was our country’s brave United States Army Soldier. Visitation will be held from 5-9 pm, Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Funeral Services will begin at 12pm, Friday, November 18, 2011 at Center Chapel located on Fort Bliss, Texas. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast.