Joan M. Mertz April 11, 1937 - July 26, 2017

Joan M. Mertz, 80, of Allentown, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017, in the St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown, Campus.  She was born in Allentown, a daughter of the late Kenneth A. and Margaret E. (Hagenbuch) Mertz.  Joan was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Allentown. She was an avid athlete, bowler and Penn State Fan. She played and coached softball for the Allentown Patriots for many years. She loved and will be missed by her nieces and nephews.

Survivors: Brothers, Robert K.H. and his wife Dottie R. Mertz of Williamsport, PA and Gary W. and his wife Cathy L. Mertz of Chesapeake, VA; lifelong friend, Karol A. Lichtenwalner of Allentown; nieces and nephews, Debbie L. Mertz, Robert S. Mertz, Melinda R. Humlicek and Garrett A. Mertz; six great-nieces and nephews.

Services: 2:00 P.M. Monday in the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown.  Call 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Allentown.  www.stephensfuneral.com.

Contributions: Special Olympics of Lehigh County 2200 Hamilton St. Allentown, 18104.