Jacob Edmund Mertz

Jacob Edmund “Jake” Mertz, 81, of Topeka, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Midland Hospice House. Born on November 3, 1944, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Harold A. and Edna L. (Hutchinson) Mertz, Jake’s life was marked by devotion, kindness, and a deep commitment to family and community.

A proud graduate of Wamego High School in 1962, Jake furthered his education at Kansas State University. On April 11, 1970, he married his beloved wife, Carole Susan Weigel, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka, beginning a beautiful journey that spanned 55 cherished years together.

Jake dedicated 35 years of his career as a computer system analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield before retiring in 2005. His passion for service continued as he contributed 13 years of work within the state legislature at the Topeka State Capitol.

A faithful charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church since 1977, Jake’s heart was deeply intertwined with his faith. He generously volunteered and supported Catholic education at Christ the King School and Hayden High School. He proudly held the honor of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Council 8411. Jake was forever grateful to the Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center staff for their medical care, love, and support.

His interests included weekly bridge games, gardening, genealogy research, monthly BCBS coffee group, live theater and musical shows, and traveling with Carole. He enjoyed all sports, especially K-State football and basketball, along with attending his grandchildren’s activities. In earlier years, he found joy in fishing, bowling, and golfing. Additionally, Jake was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Topeka Day Lilly Club, enriching his life through lasting friendships.

Jake is lovingly remembered by his wife Carole; daughters Susan King and husband John of Belton, Missouri, and Sara Farrar and husband Gregg of Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren Maggie, Mitchell, Mallory, Myles, Maverick, Mary Kate; as well as nephews Joe Mertz, Tom Mertz, Bob Mertz, Jon Mertz, and nieces Jane Garcia, Rebecca Price, and Rhonda Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Betty J. Campbell and Harold D. Mertz.

A visitation to honor Jake’s memory will be held on Saturday, April 11, at Christ the King Catholic Church from 9:00 to 10:15 am, followed by a Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony and Rosary at 10:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at Wamego City Cemetery in Wamego, Kansas.

The family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Christ the King School or Hayden High School, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.