Michael Edmund Merz of Park Ridge passed away on March 16th, 2021.

Loving and cherished son of Carol (Tony) and Andrew Merz; and step-mother, Morley Schlesinger; loving and devoted brother to Maggie Merz, loving cat father to Turbo, loving and dedicated grandson to Nancy Steiner, preceded in death by grandfather William Steiner and grandparents June and Edmund Merz. Loving nephew to Bill and Tracey Steiner, Laura and Ron Jeffers, and Marc Kaiser, preceded in death by Gary Merz and Dave Goff. Loving cousin to Veronica Jeffers, Billy (Andrea) Steiner, Jenny (Tony) Araque, Jessie (Jeff) Milburn, and Nicki Steiner.  Loved and missed by many friends and extended family.

Michael was all about family and being together all the time.  He could make anyone laugh with his infectious laugh, his great story telling ability, and his unique way of looking at the world and recounting the amusing side of things.  Mike got a great sense of delight and satisfaction from making others see the funny side of life.

Of his many passions – fishing, cooking and fast cars, Michael could create a storm in the kitchen and on any straightaway.  Having attended Kendall Culinary College, Mike loved to cook for and with people, especially family. He was so intense when cooking then serene when the family table enjoyed his fare.

Michael loved fishing in Connecticut with his Uncle Gary, Uncle Dave and family.  Whether fishing off the dock, or fishing in 250 feet of water off Montauk Point, he loved it all, especially when his little sister hooked a big one! The same held true for when he was fishing in Wisconsin with his dad. It didn't matter where; it mattered with whom – family.  Uncle Gary taught Mike how to fish, but also gave him the bug for fast cars. In fact, when Mike inherited his Uncle's Jeep SRT8, Mike spruced it up a bit and made it into a 725 horsepower monster on the roads!  That car scared the heck out of everyone, except Mike. Michael loved spending his mornings, as many as he could, getting coffee with his mom and sister. The further the coffee shop the better, as the real importance was not the coffee, but the time spent with family.

Michael's last job was at a North Shore school for challenged children.  He was particularly proud of his work with non-auditory kids with Autism.  Mike felt a special bond with these kids and that he had truly reached and helped them. A simple smile here and there told him that.

The Good Lord took Michael from us way too early, but he must have a plan for Mike that one day we can come to understand.  RIP Mike.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Road, Park Ridge, IL.

A private funeral for family will be held on Saturday.

Due to current health mandates, everyone is asked to be patient and abide by the number of visitors allowed inside the funeral home. Only 50 guests are allowed in the funeral home at a time. Everyone is welcomed, but we ask that you keep your visit short so that all who wish to pay their respects will be able to do so. The coffee lounge is closed; no food or drink is permissible.  Please note that all visitors are required to wear face masks to enter the funeral home.