Dr. Donald James Mertz of Tawas and Naples, Fla. passed away in the loving arms of his family on Aug. 14, 2015.Donald was born on March 27, 1938 in Saginaw to Arthur and Clara Mertz. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1956 where he played tennis, swam and became an Eagle Scout. Don then attended the University of Michigan where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 1963. After dental school, Don served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for three years. He returned to Saginaw in 1966 and took wonderful care of his many special patients for 35 years. During the last 10 years of practice, Donald was joined by his son and daughter-in-law, Drs. James and Andrea Mertz.Donald married his only love, Judith Helen Snelling, on Sept. 3, 1960. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Don and Judy especially enjoyed spending time on Lake Huron and in Florida where they enjoyed tennis, golf and spending time with family and friends.A devout Christian, Donald was active in his churches in Tawas and Florida. Donald participated in Bible study groups, ushering, greeting, gardening the church grounds and helping with social events. His family is comforted by the fact that Donald is now resting peacefully with his savior, Jesus.Donald was predeceased in death by both parents; older brother, Richard Mertz; and brother-in-law, William Snelling. Surviving are his brother, Dale (Marge) Mertz of Akron; sisters-in-law, Ann Mertz of Tawas and Margaret Snelling of Grand Rapids; his children, Susan (James) Boerger Jr. of Northville, Drs. James (Andrea) Mertz of Frankenmuth, Martha (Dr. Robert) Maccani of Menominee and Katherine Hellner of Charlotte, N.C.; and his 10 grandchildren, Dr. Jessica (Seth) Barry, Joshua Boerger, Chelsea Mertz, Madison Mertz, Lindsey Mertz, Hayley Maccani, Evan Maccani, Alexis Hellner, Natalie Hellner and Harrison Hellner.Judy and her family received guests from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16 and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of his funeral at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. The visitation and funeral was at Buresh Funeral Home, 416 Whittemore St., Tawas City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Episcopal Church in East Tawas or to a .