Jack was born September 14, 1927 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the late Eugene Joseph and Helen Catherine (Bailey) Mertaugh. He lived in Hessel all of his life. He was a graduate of the Les Cheneaux School System and of Western Michigan UniVersity. He served his country during World War 11 and the Korean War.
The family business, E. J. Mertaugh Boat Works, was established in 1925 by Jack's father Eugene, and was the first Chris Craft Dealer in the world. Jack was associated with the business his entire life. He, with his brother Jim, purchased the Boat Works from their father in 1970. The business was sold in 1990 at which time Jack retired.
He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Hessel where he served on the Parish Council. Jack was past commander and a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #7958 at Hessel and a longtime member of the Sault Ste. Marie American Legion Post. He was a former Boy Scout, Scoutmaster. He was secretary of Clark Township Planning Commission, a longtime member of the Cedarville Trojan Booster Club and L.S.S.U. Blueliner Club, and was a L.S.S.U. basketball supporter. Jack was the Guest of Honor at the Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Boat Show. Jack's greatest pleasure in life was traveling with his two daughters, Kerri and Margo.
Surviving are two daughters Kerri Ann Mertaugh, Birmingham, MI and Margo Kach, Anchorage, AK; a sister Mrs. L. E. (Frances Ann) DeWick, Hessel; two brothers, Robert D. and E. James, both of Hessel; several nieces and nephews. Mass of Resurrection was 10:30 am Saturday November 14, 1998 at the Church with the Rev. Ben Paris and other Priest friends of Jack's concelebrating. Interment at Cedar Cemetery, Cedarville.
Arrangements were under the care of Raymond B. Ackerman, Jr. Funeral Director. Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home (920) 834-2133. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, church organ fund.