Edward Leland Merz's Obituary
Edward Leland Merz
"Jiminy Cricket"
Edward Leland Merz (Lee), age 85, a life long resident of Tacoma, died at the Tacoma Franciscan Hospice House on August 10, 2008 following complications from a stroke he suffered on May 23, 2008. Lee was born on May 21, 1923, at Tacoma General Hospital to the late Andrew and Rose Stoll Merz. He attended Franklin Elementary, Jason Lee Jr. High School, and graduated from Stadium High School in 1941. A gifted athlete while at Stadium, he was a member of the famed Tiger wrestling team that sent many of its wrestlers to the state wrestling tournament in 1941. During World War II Lee served his country in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Houston, TX, he met Geraldine (Geri) Guinn, and they were united in marriage on March 20, 1943. In 1946 Lee attended the University of Houston, later transferring to the College of Puget Sound. With a growing family to feed, he left college in 1948 to work as a longshoreman on Tacoma's waterfront, joining the ranks of his father and grandfather. He later became a supervisor and continued in that capacity at the Tote Terminal, retiring in 2002. A proud member of the International Longshoreman and Warehouseman's Union, Local #23, he served as treasurer and trustee for 12 years during the late Phil Lelli's tenure as president. He also served the union as an overseas official in the late sixties, traveling to every major seaport in Japan. While on the waterfront for over 50 years Lee was affectionately called "Jiminy Cricket" by his friends and co-workers because of his frequent exclamation, "Jiminy Cricket!" Lee was a 78 year member of the First Christian Church and at the time of his death was one of the church's longest standing members. He also belonged to the American Legion Post #138, F.O.E. Aerie's #2308, B.P.O.E. #1450, Disabled American Veterans, I.L.W.U. Local #23 Pensioner's Club and the Commencement Bay Jazz Society. For years Lee and Geri belonged to the How Dance Club where they made many lifelong friends. They also enjoyed their annual winter vacations to Ixtapa Zihuatenejo to thaw out. Lee is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Geri; daughter, Mary-Lee Merz (Richard Holmes) of Sardis, British Columbia; two sons, Andy Merz (Linda) of Olympia, WA and Les Merz of Tacoma, WA; five grandchildren, Brian Merz of Boston, MA; Lindsay (Kyle) of Bellingham, WA; Heather (Paul) Rogers of Olympia, WA; Jonathan Merz of Boise, ID and Evan Merz of Tacoma, WA; two great-grandchildren, Rory Anderson of Bellingham, WA and Breanna Rogers of Olympia, WA; three sisters, Eva Merz of Tacoma, WA; Joy Phelps of Parkland, WA and Delores (John) Van Orden of Tacoma, WA. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends and a multitude of union brothers and sisters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Lawrence "Buddy" Merz. Funeral services for Edward Leland Merz will be held at 2 pm on Friday August 15, 2008 at the Garden Chapel at Mt. View Funeral Home. The Rev. John Williams will officiate. Private family entombment will be in Liberty Bell Mausoleum of Mt. View Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 14, 2008 from 3 pm to 9 pm. On-line remembrances can be posted at the guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable contributions in Lee's name either to Tacoma Franciscan Hospice or to the Tacoma Lutheran Home. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Lee's doctors, Andrew Loomis, MD and Jos. Covee, MD. Also to Franciscan Hospice, the Tacoma Lutheran Home, and The Weatherly Inn.
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