Edward Ryan Mertz (45), passed away on October 7, 2014 at Vibra Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Born August 29, 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the much loved son of Henry Randall and Suzanne Marie (Slawny) Mertz.

In 1972 Eddie moved with his family to Minneapolis where he attended the Michael Dowling School for handicapped children for 5 years. In 1978 the family moved to Fargo, ND and Eddie attended the Grand Forks School for the Blind and then the Anne Carlson School in Jamestown, ND. In 1990 Eddie moved into a Fargo group home managed by Friendship CHI. The residents and caregivers at Friendship became his extended family and Ed’s parents greatly appreciated their care and friendship throughout the rest of his life.

Ed loved toe-tapping music, dice games, pizza, pop and chocolate. He really enjoyed going to the casinos, especially his vacation in Las Vegas last winter.

Eddie is survived by his parents, sister-in-law Tanya, aunts, uncles and cousins. Edward was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Andrew Mertz.