Mark E. Metz, 74, of Medford, died on Monday, May 18 at his residence in the Town of Medford under the loving care of his family, special friend and Hope Hospice.There will be a public “celebration of life” open house at the Metz Hunting Shack, at the N/W intersection of Gibson Drive and Pine Avenue (N1633 Gibson Drive) in the Town of Little Black. This will run from 12 noon until 4 PM on Saturday, May 30 with food and beverages provided.
Mark was born on June 23, 1945 in the Town of Little Black, the son of Charles I. and Beulah D. (White) Metz. He went to elementary school in the Town of Little Black and was a 1963 graduate of Medford High School. On February 8, 1969 he married Sharon Swenson at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford and they were later divorced.
After his education, Mark entered the US Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After the service, he worked as a bartender at Tombstone Tap in Medford and later became one of the first route salesmen for Tombstone Pizza. Then he worked road construction for James Peterson & Sons and drove concrete truck for Peterson Concrete until retirement. In retirement, he worked part time for Jensen & Son Asphalt. Mark enjoyed golf, softball, hunting, fishing, bowling, basketball, socializing, spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, Medford VFW Club & the Stetsonville American Legion Club.
Surviving Mark are his special friend, Delores “Dee” Habeck of Medford, daughters, Sarah (Matthew) Brown of Park Falls, Shelly (Keith) Purdy of Medford & Jaime Johnson of Medford. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rory, Trista & Tucker Brown, Jace (Jessica) & Jared Purdy, Hailey & Riley Johnson and a great grandson, Aaron Purdy. Also his siblings, Mona (Kayo) Pope of Stetsonville, Jim (Bev) Metz of Medford, Paul Metz of Medford, Dan “Boone” (Jeneane) Metz of Stetsonville and Steve (Kate) Metz of Medford. His bonus family, Lynn (Keith) Becken and family & Jeannie (Mike) Pardo and family. His sisters-in-law, Linda and Deb Metz, both of Medford, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Brandon Johnson, siblings, Charles “Chuck” Metz and Phillip “Fuzz” Metz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
