Kristin Mertz Obituary

Kristin Danielle Mertz, aged 40, passed away on March 4, 2022 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa just 2 months before her 41st birthday.
Kristin was the daughter of Lucas and Carla (Atti) Brandt, cherished niece of Jim and Susan (Atti) Kozera, Ernesto Bertuzzi and Adrianne Giusti, Carol Bertuzzi, Reinoud and Kathleen Brandt, Adelaert and Mandy Brandt, Rutger Brandt and Hans Koss. Kristin is survived by her two daughters, Addison and Zoe Mertz, ages 12 and 9, and their father Adam Mertz.
Kristin was born on April 22, 1981 in Clear Lake City, Texas. The family moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1992. Kristin attended Oak Hill Middle School, Reitz Memorial High School, the University of Southern Indiana, Indiana University - Purdue University, and received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Kristin was near completion of her Masters Degree in Social Sciences.
Kristin loved animals and adopted many stray dogs. She had an interest in marine life since a young child, leading her to participate in Sea Camp in Galveston, Texas. She also participated in a program at Camp Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kristin was a creative person who loved collecting vintage objects and repurposing them.
Kristin served in the U.S. Air Force from 2006 to 2009 as a vehicle and vehicular equipment maintenance apprentice stationed in Ramstein, Germany where she was married. Her eldest daughter, Addison, was born there. Her military awards included Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Training Ribbon. She returned stateside to live in Omaha, Nebraska where her second daughter, Zoe, was born. Kristin was an outstanding and loving mother. She enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, cycling, canoeing and camping.
Kristin worked as a mental health professional. She loved helping patients with mental health illness and realized this calling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kristin was an intelligent, beautiful, charming, and vibrant young woman. Her time with us was far too short but her impact will last all of our lives.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, March 18th, 2022 from 5 - 9 PM at Ruggiero & Sons, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Services- 732 Yonkers Avenue- Yonkers, New York 10704. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 19th, 2022- 9:30 AM at Saint John the Baptist Church, 670 Yonkers Avenue- Yonkers, New York 10704. Following the Funeral Mass, Kristin will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road- Hartsdale, New York 10530.