Nathan Mercer, 77, Was Veteran of World War II

Nathan J. Mercer, 77, of Ishpeming, Mich., died on Jan. 7 at the Marquette General Hospital, where he had been a patient for one week.

He was born Dec. 9, 1925, in Medford to the late Nathan and Edna Willoughby Mercer. His childhood and early adult years were spent living on the Vineyard before moving to Jackson, Mich. He lived in the Ishpeming area for the past 30 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II and the Korean conflict.

Mr. Mercer was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where he was active in many church functions. He was a life member and past commander of the Ishpeming VFW Post 4573. He enjoyed hunting, being at camp, reading and attending his Army reunions.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Irene Klippel Mercer; five children, Herbert (Sonhee) Mercer of Lansing, Mich., James (Sharon) Mercer of Springport, Mich., Marcia (Jerry) Jerome of Black Canyon City, Ariz., Karon (Dennis) George of Little Lake, Mich., and Nathan J. Mercer of Lansing, Mich.; two brothers, Willoughby (Grace) Mercer of Coronado, Calif., and A. Stanley (Marie) Mercer of Chilmark; two sisters, Rachael (William) Burns of Centerville and Eleanor MacMunn of Bethel, Me.; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Caroline Moore, and a brother, James Mercer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, with the Rev. Paul Kelto officiating.

The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements.