Mark H.

Mertz

Mark H. Mertz, 80, of Ephrata, passed away on November 11, 2026, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. He was born on December 12, 1945, in Akron, Pennsylvania to the late John F. & Mabel (Heiser) Mertz and was the loving husband of Karen (Heisey) Mertz for 40 years.

A graduate of Conestoga Valley High School, Mark built a life marked by hard work, resourcefulness, and a lively spirit. He was self-employed with a mobile pressure washing company, and those who knew him will remember him as a true tinkerer who could fix anything. He liked to keep plenty of parts around the house, always ready for the next project, and his busy, energetic nature was part of what made him so memorable. Mark was a self-taught guitar player who played and sang with a group of friends, and together they traveled to nursing homes and other town events to perform. Guitar meant so much to Mark, he willingly lent out his guitar to family members who were interested in learning, later permanently passing along his guitar and talent to his granddaughter, Megan. In later years, he enjoyed coin collecting. He also liked woodworking and riding four-wheelers through the mountains. Some of Mark’s most treasured memories were centered on the cabin he built himself, and taking pride in his work with regular maintenance of the cabin. The cabin was a special gathering place where he spent meaningful time with his family, and it remained closely tied to many of the moments they shared together. He also enjoyed spending time at the hunting camp with his brother, another place where companionship and simple pleasures were deeply valued. His memory will remain with those who loved him and shared in the many ordinary and extraordinary moments of his life.

Mark is survived by his wife, Karen Mertz; four children, Teresa, Mark R., Jason, and Angela. He is also survived by his brothers, John Mertz, Jim Mertz, and Sam Mertz, and by his sisters, Ruth Leid and Mary Carol Parrell. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer; his sister, Anna; and his brothers, Jacob, Paul, David, and Luke.

Family and friends are invited to gather and share stories at a visitation on Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 100 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Mark made the generous decision to donate his body to Humanity Gifts Registry. Through this selfless gift, he will provide future medical students with valuable educational opportunities and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and research. His final act of giving will leave a lasting impact on the future of medicine and the lives of others.