Karl H. Merz, 86, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Karl was born on November 1, 1938 in Bamberg, Germany to Karl and Barbara (Seufert) Merz. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in French Literature from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctorate degree from University of Wisconsin. He enjoyed over thirty years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as part of and later Chairman of the Foreign Language Department.

He enjoyed travel, reading, cooking and his dogs.

Karl is survived by his wife, Jami; daughters, Barbara Merz and Sarah Merz Devoll.

He is preceded in death by sisters Gerda (Ruth) Wilke of Whitewater and Rosemary Marquardt of Erlangen, Germany.

At this time, no formal services are scheduled for Karl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com