Allen E. Mertz, age 83, of Rossville, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare of Danville, with his family by his side.

Born October 5, 1942, in Danville to Theodore A. and Dorothy Mae (French) Mertz, Allen married Mary Jane “Janey” Loden on February 2, 1982, at the Rossville United Methodist Church. Janey survives him.

Allen is also survived by his daughters, Rose Kiser (Larry Kleiboeker) of Patoka, IL, and Christina Gossett (Pete) of Biloxi, MS; his son Anthony Mertz of Danville; his “adopted” daughter Margaret Tiffin of Hoopeston; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers Jim (Charlotte) Mertz and Michael (JoAnne) Mahorney, both of Rossville; sisters Marilyn Cox of Aurora, IL, Susan Mertz and Patsy Merritz both of Vallejo, CA; uncles Kenneth Cook and Wilbur Cook, both of Danville; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Bruce Eldridge, daughter Brandy Mertz, and son-in-law David Kiser.

After graduating from Bismarck High School, Allen served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He spent 47 years working at Teepak until retiring in 2013. He was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church and Eastern Illinois ABATE. Allen enjoyed gardening, yardwork, traveling, riding motorcycles, and spending time with Janey.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, with funeral services immediately following at noon. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will take place after the service, and burial will be scheduled later at Bethel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Illinois ABATE.

Arrangements are entrusted to Blurton Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.