Merton J. Mack Jr.
May 2, 1931 – April 12, 2013
Mert served the U.S. Army for 25 years, retiring in 1973 as a Sergeant First Class. Mert served in the Korean War and Europe during his military career, receiving many citations for serving is country with Honors.
Mert met his wife, Karin, in Berlin, Germany and they married in 1959. After many assignments stateside, they settled in Colorado Springs in 1968 to raise their family. Mert was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to stay at the family cabin in Ute Lakes no matter how deep the snow was! Mert spent time working as an outfitter and guide throughout the Rocky Mountains. His outdoorsmanship earned him the nickname of “Mountain Man Mert” but family fondly called him “G-pa.”
Mert was a great example to family for being involved with community service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans Association. Mert was a strong member of the Catholic Church and his faith was an important part of his life. His dinner prayers always ended with “…and God comes first!”
Mert leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Karin J. Mack; daughter, Deborah (husband, Mark) Gorla; son, Steven (wife, Lisa) Mack; his grandchildren, Jarod Gorla, Jordon Gorla, Nicole Mack, Christian Mack, and Davis Mack; his sister, Cheryl Feucht; his brothers, Dick (wife, Janice) and Dave (wife, Robin); as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mountain Man Mert is hunting and fishing in heaven today, but we are sure his eight personally assigned guardian angels had a few words to mince with him first! XXXOOO Love You G-pa!
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church in Woodland Park.