Mrs. Loretta Mertzig, 99, formerly of Saukville, passed away Saturday evening, Oct. 8, 2011, at Harbor Campus in Port Washington where she had been residing for the last 11 years. 

Loretta was born in the town of Fredonia on Sept. 17, 1912, daughter of Henry and Margaret Schmit Kraus. She attended schools in Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois before becoming a teacher. 

On June 25, 1955 she was united in marriage with Elmer J. Mertzig at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Little Kohler. The couple settled in Saukville. Loretta taught elementary school at St. Mary’s in Port Washington, retiring in 1972. Elmer preceded Loretta in death in 2006. 

Mrs. Mertzig was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville, as well as the Saukville Senior Citizens and the Ozaukee Retired Teachers Organization. Loretta loved birds (especially cardinals), enjoyed collecting poems and clippings, gardening, and had been an avid reader. Whenever people saw her she had a smile on her face, and never had a bad word to say about anything. 
 
She is survived by four sisters-in-law: Desma Kraus of Saukville, Lauretta Kraus of Minnesota, Marie Kraus and Helen Mertzig, both of West Bend, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and seven siblings: Sister Enrica Kraus, Sister Margarette Kraus, William, Howard, Henry, Al and Francis. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Saukville. She was laid to rest beside her husband at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Little Kohler. Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Conception Church or Port Catholic Schools. 

The Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington assisted the family. Online condolences can be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.